Oslo Manual definition

A product innovation is the introduction of a good or service that is new or significantly improved with respect to its characteristics or intended uses. This includes significant improvements in technical specifications, components and materials, incorporated software, user-friendliness or other functional characteristics. (p. 48)

A process innovation is the implementation of a new or significantly improved production or delivery method. This includes significant changes in techniques, equipment and/or software. Production methods involve the techniques, equipment and software used to produce goods or services. Delivery methods concern the logistics of the firm and encompass equipment, software and techniques to source inputs, allocate supplies within the firm, or deliver final products. (p. 49)

BEEPS V/
MENA ES question

During the last three years, has this establishment introduced new or significantly improved products or services? Please exclude the simple resale of new goods purchased from others and changes of a solely aesthetic nature.

During the last three years, has this establishment introduced any new or significantly improved methods for the production or supply of products or services?

BEEPS V/
MENA ES examples

New products are any products with significantly new characteristics or uses:

New or increased functions and applications, including user-friendliness

New or significantly improved technical specifications or capabilities

New or significantly improved components or materials

(Do not include minor changes, regular seasonal changes, routine upgrades and purely aesthetic or design changes that do not affect functionality. Do not include the resale of a good purchased from other enterprises.)

Changes in production techniques or processes of production:

Introduction of new technology for production

Introduction of automation of processes previously man-made

Introduction of new process of finishing, packaging, or quality control

Introduction of new or significantly improved production equipment not previously used

Introduction of new software for production

Changes in how inputs are delivered to the establishment, for example outsourcing transport that previously was done in-house

Changes in how products are delivered to clients, for example outsourcing

Introduction of scanning to register goods using bar codes

Introduction of new software to manage inventories

New or improved software or routines for purchasing, accounting or maintenance systems

Oslo Manual definition

An organisational innovation is the implementation of a new organisational method in the firm’s business practices, workplace organisation or external relations. Organisational innovations can be intended to increase a firm’s performance by reducing administrative costs or transaction costs, improving workplace satisfaction (and thus labour productivity), gaining access to non-tradeable assets (such as non-codified external knowledge) or reducing costs of supplies. (p. 51)

Marketing innovations are aimed at better addressing customer needs, opening up new markets, or newly positioning a firm’s product on the market, with the objective of increasing the firm’s sales. (p. 49)

BEEPS V/
MENA ES question

During the last three years, has this establishment introduced any new or significantly improved organisational or management practices or structures?

During the last three years, has this establishment introduced any new or significantly improved marketing methods?

BEEPS V/
MENA ES examples

Change in number of management levels

Changes in communication systems

Changes in production targeting and monitoring systems

Changes to or introduction of incentives for performance, such as changes in salary or bonus determination to reward performance

Changes in promotion practices

Changes in hiring and firing practices

Changes to how decisions and results are communicated across the establishment, such as new reporting systems

Restructuring of departments or units

Changes in external relations systems

New design, branding or packaging, including use of trademarks or brand symbols

New channels to promote or sell products or services, such as direct selling, internet sales or exclusive retailing

New pricing systems to attract or retain customers, such as discounts, deferred payment or loyalty reward cards