EC Plans Five Tactics to Support New Standards Strategy

The European Commission is looking to take five steps towards implementing a standards strategy made available February 2. The broadest goal of the effort is for the EU "to be the first-mover vanguard and lead international standards-setting, leveraging its cooperation with other like-minded international partners, in particular with regard to future technology areas of strategic interest."

More specifically, it writes:

"Standards are not a purpose in itself. They are embedded in policy objectives geared towards industrial competitiveness, free movement of goods and services in the internal market, innovation, safety, consumer, worker and environmental protection as well as open strategic autonomy and a climate-neutral, resilient and circular economy. It is therefore of paramount importance to ensure the usability, effectiveness and usefulness of standards along industrial value chains, including SMEs and societal actors."

Steps to fulfill the plan (https://bit.ly/34fRPdZ) involve:

• Strategic Areas: Using the upcoming 2022 EU work program, a panel will identify and prioritize such matters. A to-be-created Chief Standardisation Officer will guide the actions needed to address associated needs.

 

• Improved System: The EC will propose amendments to the Regulation on Standardization. A primary goal is to protect against "undue influences" from outside the EU and EEA, especially in areas like cybersecurity.

 

• European Leadership: A panel will target creation of new ways for member states and standards groups to share information and coordinate actions. Outreach to regions like Africa likely will occur.

 

• Innovation: "Standardization booster" activities will aim funding at areas like anticipating needs for and testing the effects of standards. Expect a "Code of Practice" in 2022 linking standards and research activities.

 

• Training: Universities will be the targets for EC work on standards awareness and training.