ICT standardisation - co-ordinating the diversity

Abstract

The complex Web of standards setting bodies (SSBs) has triggered the need for co-operation and co-ordination in ICT standards setting at various levels. This paper looks at the co-ordination between SSBs. It provides an account of how today's diversity on ICT standards setting emerged, and how it should be evaluated. The state-of-the-art in co-ordination between different (types of) standards bodies is discussed, and some improvements to the current situation are proposed. SSBs need to be flexible enough to constantly adapt to their stakeholders needs. Division of labour and improved transposition processes might help improve the current situation. Moreover, European policy makers might need to re-evaluate their stance towards standards consortia.