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 Initiative 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.
Be One of 15 Associations to Join the Association Innovation Impact Initiative
Innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential. ASAE Research Foundation and Illuminas are offering a select group of associations the chance to participate in the first-ever Association Innovation Impact study, based on the American Innovation Index™ (Aii™). This proven model—used by top corporations—is now tailored for associations to measure innovation and social innovation from the member perspective.
Why Participate?
- Benchmark your association’s innovation performance
- Gain insights from up to 300 member responses
- Receive a custom 3-slide results deck with sector-wide benchmarks
- Use findings to prioritize innovation investments and grow member loyalty
Spots are limited—only 15 associations will be selected for the research.
Join the informational webinar to learn how your organization can be part of this exclusive research initiative.
Association Innovation Impact Informational Webinar
Webinar Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
Featured Speaker: Gina Woodall, Vice President, Client Services, Illuminas
What You’ll Learn in the Webinar:
- How innovation drives member satisfaction and engagement
- What the Aii™ measures and why it matters
- How your association can join the study
- What you’ll receive as a participating organization
Initiative Phases
Phase 1: June 2025 – March 2026
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
Phase 2: July 2025 – April 2026
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
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.
Research Partners
Illuminas
American Innovation Index
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.