About
The Association Innovation Impact Initiative is an ASAE Research Foundation effort designed to help associations better understand how innovation is experienced by members—and what drives meaningful impact. Through original research and real-world pilots, the initiative measures how associations are perceived as innovative and shares proven ideas and practices that strengthen member value and organizational relevance across the sector.
Why Innovation—and Why It Matters Now
Associations operate in an environment shaped by rapid change, rising expectations, and increasing pressure to demonstrate value. Innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential to staying relevant, responsive, and resilient.
The Association Innovation Impact Initiative exists to help associations move beyond ideas to evidence. Through research, benchmarking, and applied innovation examples, the initiative provides leaders with data, insights, and real-world practices to help guide strategy, investment, and member value in rapidly changing environments.
Association Innovation Impact Study
The Report is Now Available!
The Association Innovation Impact Study, led by the ASAE Research Foundation in partnership with Radius Insights, is the first research effort designed to measure how associations are perceived as innovative.
Drawing on member feedback across professional and trade associations, the study examines how innovation and social innovation influence loyalty, recommendation, engagement, relevance, and overall member experience.
Key Findings from the Report
- Associations perceived as more innovative are more likely to be viewed as relevant, trusted, and worthy of member recommendation.
- Members recognize innovation when it improves learning, connection, responsiveness, participation, and professional support.
- Innovation is most meaningful when members can clearly experience its value in practical ways.
- Social innovation is strongest when members can see and experience inclusion, accessibility, participation, and community impact.
The report also explores the organizational behaviors most associated with innovative associations and the practices that distinguish top-tier innovative organizations.
Participate in the Next Cycle
Participating associations receive actionable data, a scorecard to measure innovation across key attributes, insights from up to 300 member responses, a customized slide deck with sector benchmarks.
The next study cycle will launch in Summer 2026.
Learn More
Watch the informational webinar to explore the study’s scope and methodology.
Watch the Webinar
Innovation Lab and Pilot Showcase
From Pilots to Proof
The Innovation Lab is where the Association Innovation Impact Initiative moves from measurement to practice. It focuses on association pilots that have been tested, show evidence of success, and offer lessons that can benefit the broader community.
Rather than highlighting early-stage ideas, the Innovation Lab elevates real-world experiments—what worked, what changed along the way, and what others can learn. Selected pilots are featured through curated showcases and shared insights designed to help associations apply proven approaches in their own organizations.
The centerpiece of the Innovation Lab is the Pilot Showcase, a live, interactive experience held at the Great Ideas Conference, where associations present successful pilots, share data, and discuss the realities of innovation in action.
Call for Pilots—CLOSED
Ready to apply? Share your successful pilot in the Innovation Lab: The Pilot Showcase.
The next cycle will launch in Fall 2026.
Explore the Innovation Lab
Learn more about the Innovation Lab and how successful pilots are selected and showcased.
Learn More
Stay Informed and Get Involved
We welcome associations and members who want to contribute to this initiative—whether by participating in research, submitting pilot concepts, or serving as expert reviewers and judges.
Research Partners
Illuminas
American Innovation Index
Related Resources
Associations Innovate:
The Journey from Intent to Action
Becoming an Effective Innovation Catalysts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any association or membership organization is eligible.
Will our results be shared publicly?
No. Each association’s results are confidential. Only aggregated, sector-wide findings will be shared publicly.
Can we share information with our board and leadership team?
Yes. A participant information packet and webinar recording are available to help brief leadership.
What is the deadline to apply?
The next study cycle will launch in Summer 2026.
What will participating associations receive?
- Survey responses from up to 300 members
- A custom 3-slide results deck with sector-wide benchmarks
- Insights to guide innovation priorities and strengthen member loyalty
How many associations will be included?
A maximum of 15 associations will be selected.