Standards development: why your expertise makes a difference

Standards are everywhere. They determine how safe our elevators are, how clear our medical labels are, how durable our building materials are. But those standards don't just happen. They are developed by experts who voluntarily share their knowledge to create solutions to complex societal challenges.

Who are these experts? And how does standards development work in practice? On the NBN website you can discover the process in detail. In this article we give you a clear overview and illustrate the story with practical examples from three experts.

What exactly is standards development?

Standards development is a transparent and structured process in which a diverse group of stakeholders - companies, researchers, governments, consumer organizations - work together to develop a standard. They do this in national standards committees, under the guidance of NBN and/or the Sectoral Operators in Belgium. 

The goal? A supported document that establishes best practices and improves the quality, safety and sustainability of products or processes. Every voice counts, and consensus is key.

Why participate?

For companies and organizations, participation in standards development is strategically smart. You gain early access to new technical insights, influence the content of standards, and build a valuable network.

For Vera De Glas, R&D engineer at Sioen, this is obvious:

"By actively participating, we can help shape the standards we will have to meet later."

Academics also play an increasingly important role. Bram Rotthier, a lecturer at Odisee and an expert in micromobility, considers standards development essential in his work:

"It's about social relevance. As a researcher, you really have a voice at the table."

How does the process work?

A standard is developed in a technical committee. This can be national (via NBN), but also at European(CEN/CENELEC) or international level(ISO/IEC). Belgian experts can register with NBN and/or via one of the Sectoral Operators to participate in such a standards committee.

The development of a standard occurs in four stages:

1. Standard proposal
        Everything starts with a proposal, for example, to create a new standard or revise an existing one. That proposal can come from anywhere: from companies, sector organizations, governments, NGOs or consumer organizations. NBN then submits the standard proposal to CEN or ISO.
2. Standard design
       After approval of the proposal, a standards committee gets to work on the design. International and/or European experts from the field meet in a working group of the standards committee, where the standard is written. Belgian experts can also participate from the national committees.
3. Public investigation (at CEN)
       The draft is then made public. Anyone can comment: companies, citizens, stakeholders. The national and European commission reviews each comment and adjusts the draft where necessary.
4. Published
       After final approval, the standard is published. You can find them on NBN's standards portal.

Constant Kohler, responsible for cybersecurity standards at Siemens, explains more:

"Developing a standard takes two to three years on average. You consult with experts from all over Europe or even the world."

What impact can you have?

Standards largely determine how a market works. By actively participating, you can:

• Preparing your sector or organisation for new demands,
• contribute solutions to complex challenges (such as digital security, sustainability, or occupational safety),
• as well as building bridges between theory and practice.

Vera De Glas: "Without standards, we as manufacturers cannot demonstrate that our protective clothing meets the required quality."

Constant Kohler emphasizes the impact on policy and innovation: "You are helping to build the foundations of reliable and safe technology."

What do you get in return?

Although participation is voluntary, it pays off handsomely:

• Knowledge: you stay abreast of the latest technological developments.
• Network: you get to know other top experts from home and abroad.
• Visibility: your organisation shows commitment and expertise.
• Social added value: you help develop standards that really make a difference for people.

Bram Rotthier: "You know your work has an impact, even on an international level."

Is standards development something for you?

Whether you work in industry, at a college or university, in government, in an SME or in an NGO: your expertise can be crucial in a standards committee. The process is transparent and guided, you get access to all documentation, and NBN is ready to support you.

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