Impact of ISO 9001 Standard on Firm Performance: A Review of Innovation Effects and Relationship between Standards and Innovation

This master’s thesis investigates the intricate relationship between the implementation of standards, with a particular focus on ISO 9001, innovation capabilities, and the performances of Italian firms. The study begins with an introduction to standards in Chapter 2, emphasizing ISO standards on quality management systems, especially ISO 9001, and their significance in organizational processes. An overview of the global distribution and historical evolution of ISO 9001 is presented, with a particular emphasis on the Italian context. Following this, Chapter 3 introduces innovation capabilities, exploring their potential relationship with standards to enhance firm performance. The study delves into the diverse nature of these capabilities crucial for fostering innovation. It also addresses the uncertainty in the literature regarding the impact of standards on firm performance. In Chapter 4, a comprehensive literature review explores prior research, examining methodologies employed in analogous studies. This review will uncover diverse perspectives on the impact of standards on firm performance and their relationship with innovation as drivers of performance improvement, as revealed by the studies conducted by diverse researchers, whose work will be surveyed in the literature review. In Chapter 5, a comprehensive analysis will delve into the impact of ISO 9001 on the performance of Italian firms. Utilizing various methodologies, the study aims to isolate the specific effects attributable to ISO 9001 implementation, allowing for a more focused examination of the research objectives. This empirical investigation seeks to contribute to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence and shedding light on the dynamics between standards adoption, and firm performance. In the subsequent section (Chapter 6), conclusions are drawn based on a critical discussion of the analysis results, reflecting on the state-of-the-art research regarding the implications of standards on firm performance. Chapter 7 provides a summary of the studies and results, while also highlighting their limitations. Using these limitations as a starting point, the discussion explores potential directions for future research, considering practical applications for further development and exploration.