Standards development: you help set tomorrow's rules of the game
Last updated:
21/11/2025
Standards may seem like something you have to deal with mainly when you bring a product to market or deliver a project. But did you know that you can also write them yourself? More and more companies are discovering that standards development is a powerful strategic tool.
By actively participating, you not only help set the rules of your industry, you gain a solid advantage over your competitors.
Those who participate in standards development are at the front of the cockpit of their industry. You know exactly what's coming, long before the rest of the market sees it. That means you can adjust your strategy, production and innovation accordingly.
So you are not putting out fires afterwards, but you are proactively arming yourself for tomorrow's challenges. And at the same time, you expose opportunities that others do not yet see.
"Thanks to our involvement in standards development, we are always the first to know where the industry is headed," says an expert from Schréder. "That gives us a distinct advantage and helps us make better decisions."
Standards define how companies collaborate, test, build and innovate. If you are at the table with them, you can also make sure they are realistic, workable and forward-looking - not just for your industry, but also for your organisation.
By giving your own input, you ensure that your products and services will soon fit perfectly within the new framework. You don't have to adjust afterwards; you help determine what the framework will look like in the first place.
Participating in standards development is not only useful - it also exudes strength. You show that you take industry leadership seriously. Major players often recognize each other in these working groups. It's a place where collaborations emerge, where new ideas circulate and reputations grow.
"Standards development not only provides us with technical insights," Atlas Copco echoes. "It opens doors, strengthens our credibility and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our innovative strength internationally."
The result? A competitive advantage that is hard to copy. Because not only do you share knowledge, you also build influence, visibility and trust - both in Belgium and abroad.
Standards often lay the groundwork for new markets. Think sustainability, digital security, circularity, new materials or smart technology. Those who co-develop are the first to understand where the movement is headed.
You see faster where demand is emerging, can respond faster to new regulations and are better prepared for tenders or international deals. In short, you transform standards from a mandatory framework to a growth engine.
So standards development is much more than a technical exercise. It is a strategic tool for companies that want to lead rather than follow.
Major Belgian players like Schréder and Atlas Copco show how powerful that can be. They combine their knowledge with influence, strengthen their market position and at the same time contribute to a better, safer and more sustainable future.
Wondering how your organisation can participate?
