In a recently published position paper, CEN (the European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) warmly welcome the draft “Code of Practice on Standardization for Researchers” proposed by the European Commission.
The ability to develop new technologies and have them quickly access the market determines the ability to influence the global economy. In this rapidly changing technological environment, standardization plays a key role.
Standards are effective tools for supporting research, as they allow to codify knowledge and make it accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts. This has been confirmed by the new EU Standardization Strategy, issued last February, which highlights the role of standards in support of a resilient, green, and digital EU single market.
In the position paper, CEN and CENELEC support the Commission’s proposal of the Code of Practice on Standardization for Researchers and the recommendations it lays out. They also share some additional proposals and recommendations. The two organizations believe that the new guidelines will bridge the current knowledge gap about standardization as a tool to valorise research outcomes.
The position paper was written in response to a Stakeholder Consultation launched by the European Commission. It was developed with the contribution of experts from CEN and CENELEC Working Group 3 'STAIR' (where the acronym stands for ‘STAndardization, Innovation and Research’). STAIR is the focal point within CEN and CENELEC for all matters related to integrating standardization with innovation and research.
By publishing this paper, CEN and CENELEC continue on their commitment to enhancing the links between standardization and research, as manifested in their Strategy 2030. More information on CEN and CENELEC’s work on innovation and research is available here.
