Interview young expert Bram Rotthier
Last updated:
19/12/2024
NBN: Bram, can you tell us a little bit about your work in standards development and how you got into this?
Bram Rotthier: Definitely! My involvement in standards development comes from my academic background and my work in the light electric vehicle sector. I work at Odisee Hogeschool as head of the energy technology program and previously worked at KU Leuven as a researcher. My interest in light electric mobility led me to standards development because it is essential for the sector to have objective standards that do not favor the interests of specific companies. This helps keep the market open and promotes the sustainable transition we need.
From my academic work, I became involved in standards development because it is important to have objective standards that do not restrict the market. This aligns with the goals of the NPO I founded, where we focus on regulation and standardization within the light electric vehicle sector. We examine what is needed to further facilitate this form of mobility and support the sustainable transition.
NBN: Can you talk a little more about your role on the various committees and commissions?
Bram Rotthier: I am secretary of IEC TC125 for light electric vehicles and active in several working groups such as CEN TC333 for bicycles and CLC/TC 21X for batteries. I also collaborate on ISO/TC 149/SC 1 for bicycles. My involvement varies by committee; sometimes I am more involved in attending meetings and discussions, while in other committees I mainly review and comment on documents before they are published. As secretary of IEC TC125 , I am closely involved in everything that happens there.
NBN: How do you experience the international cooperation within these committees?
Bram Rotthier: The collaboration is very diverse and interesting. There are clear cultural and demographic differences between the participants. For example, Japanese experts tend to be older, while in China many young people are active. Standardization is a slow process, but it is important to arrive at well-thought-out texts that have been discussed by experts from different countries. This process certainly has its value, despite the time constraints we experience in our society.
What I do notice is that in some countries people rate the role of standards development higher than here in Europe and certainly in Belgium. There, they really look at the long term, while here they look too much at short-term gains. This is at odds with the process of standards development, which can take years.
Especially in Asian countries there are clear incentives for companies to participate, whereas here it depends more on the individual. Someone who has been in standards development for some time will also find it easier to convince his Organisation to invest in it, than someone who has only been working there for a few years.
The same is actually true of academia. However, in the committees in which I am active, I feel that it is precisely this academic outlook that is very important.
NBN: What do you think are the most important developments in light electric vehicles?
Bram Rotthier: The light electric vehicle sector is developing rapidly. We are looking at the possibilities and what needs to be done to further facilitate this form of mobility. This includes everything from electric scooters and hoverboards to electric bicycles. New legislation often relies on existing standards, so being active in standardization is crucial to influence regulations.
NBN: What are the biggest challenges you face in your work with standards development?
Bram Rotthier: As I said, there is too much of a short-term view here in our area. Standards development is a slow process, and it can take years before a standard is published. This is sometimes at odds with the speed and time pressure with which our society works. It is important to strike a balance between speed and diligence to arrive at well thought-out standards.
Another problem is funding. Participation in standardization is not free, and without sufficient funding it is difficult to convince companies and educational institutions to participate. For larger companies it is often more obvious why they should invest in standardization, but for SMEs or colleges it is less obvious. It often depends on individuals who believe in the importance of standards development and are willing to invest in it.
Fortunately, I can fund my participation through the combination I make with the NPO. Without funding, it is difficult to convince educational institutions to participate. Universities that participate in standardization often do so through research project budgets.
You also have to learn about the cultural and demographic differences between the participants in order to work together optimally. But that's super interesting at the same time.
NBN: What about diversity within the committees and working groups?
Bram Rotthier: There is great diversity within the committees and working groups. There are people with broad technical expertise, but also people with specific knowledge. Some look at requirements, while others examine what is measurable. We have people who know the legislative framework and less the technicality, and we have consumer groups. This diversity is necessary to arrive at well-thought-out standards.
It is also important to involve academics because they can bring a broader view than just the technical aspects. They can help see the broader picture and translate standards into practice. This is why I advocate for more collaboration between academics and standards committees.
NBN: What are you doing to engage SMEs in standards development?
Bram Rotthier: We give workshops specifically for SMEs to explain how standardization works and how they can get involved. For example, at Eurobike, the biggest trade fair in Europe around electric bikes, we gave a presentation on standardization in the electric bike landscape. We also gave workshops on standardization for cargo bikes at the International Cargo Bike Festival in the Netherlands.
It is important to have SMEs at the table, because standardization is often dominated by large companies. By involving SMEs, we ensure that their interests are also represented and that they can enjoy the benefits of standardization.
NBN: For you personally, what are the benefits of participating in standards development?
Bram Rotthier: For me personally, it is very enriching to participate in international committees. It offers the opportunity to get to know and deal with different cultures and styles. Professionally, the network you build is invaluable because I always have someone I can contact for some technical issue. That being said, it is mostly my organisation that reaps the benefits of my work in standards development.
I also find it fascinating to see how standards are created and how they influence the market and regulations. It is a long-term investment, but it certainly has its value. It is also a way to contribute to society by working for objective and fair standards that keep the market open and support the sustainable transition.
Do you have a lot of experience in a particular field? And you'd like to share your knowledge? Then get involved in standards development!
