Standardization

Standardization facilitates the growth of new technologies, and the development of efficient and effective supply chains. The harmonization of technologies, methodologies, and interfaces enables interoperable products, innovation, and competition, all leading to structuring and hence growth of markets. A standard can be defined as “a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. Standards should be based on consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.” 

Generally, standards are developed by groups of experts from industry and research. The development can take place at different levels: If the experts convene on a national level, national standards are developed by a consensus-based process in national standardization bodies (NSBs). However, the NSBs may also delegate experts to the responsible committees at European level (CEN, CENELEC) or international level (ISO, IEC), where they develop the technical content as representatives for the respective countries in consensus with other delegated experts. This makes it possible to combine the positions of different countries in one standard, securing the best possible outcome for all involved parties. Other standards developing organizations, like ETSI and ITU-T, form groups and committees from delegates of commercial companies and research organizations.

CEN and CENELEC have decided to establish the new Joint Technical Committee 22 ‘Quantum Technologies’. The JTC had its kick-off last 9 March in Berlin.

Do you want to learn more about this new standardization activity, or get involved? Then please contact your National Standardization Body/national committee, or the JTC22 Secretariat at DIN.

More information at: Quantum Technologies - CEN-CENELEC (cencenelec.eu)