Measuring What Matters. Inspiring What’s Next.
Overview
The ASAE Research Foundation, in collaboration with Illuminas, is launching a two-phase research initiative to assess and advance innovation across the association sector. The Association Innovation Impact will benchmark innovation practices, surface promising ideas, and deliver actionable insights to strengthen member engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Why Innovation Matters
Innovation is essential for associations to remain relevant, responsive, and resilient. This initiative will help associations understand their current innovation capacity, compare it to peers and private sector benchmarks, and identify opportunities to grow and evolve.
Research Phases
Phase 1: Association Innovation Study
This phase will measure and benchmark the innovativeness of associations.
- Online survey of up to 4,500 members across 15 associations
- Individual association reports
- Sector-wide whitepaper
- Presentation at the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting
Timeline: June 2025 – March 2026
Phase 2: Innovation Concept Study & Challenge
This phase will identify and evaluate innovative ideas from associations.
- Member and expert surveys
- In-depth interviews with innovation leaders
- Development of an evaluation tool and normative database
- Presentation of top ideas at ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference
Timeline: July 2025 – April 2026
Stay Informed and Get Involved
We’re seeking associations and members to participate in this initiative. Whether you’re interested in contributing data, sharing innovative ideas, or serving as an expert evaluator, we invite you to join us.
Related Innovation Projects
- Associations as Innovation Catalysts – ASAE Research Foundation examined the unique opportunity for associations to serve as a catalyst for innovation in the industries, professions, and disciplines they serve-termed external or industry focused, innovation.