The importance of excellence models in assessing the innovative activity of enterprises

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify the importance of excellence models with respect to the evaluation of innovative activity and to present selected excellence models in this area. Design/methodology/approach: A critical analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the subject of excellence models in the field of innovation activity. Findings: This article presents the theoretical background for the possibility of assessing innovation activities, innovation management practices by means of excellence models. The analysis is conducted within the perspective of the broad concept of excellence. The choice of the approach to excellence in innovation management determines the scope of possibilities and the way in which it can be assessed. The results of the analysis show that excellence models in the area of innovation management can play a crucial role in reviewing and diagnosing organisations in this field, monitoring needs and performance and identifying areas for improvement and defining directions for further improvement. Originality/value This paper presents methods of assessing innovative activity using excellence models as well as analysis of identified selected excellence models in the area of innovation management.