Stimulating Education about Standardization – Activities and perspectives of National Standards Bodies

Abstract

Standardization is essential for business and society. However, many people remain unaware of this. Education about Standardization (EaS) would be one solution to increase awareness. EaS has been a topic of research for several decades. Literature suggests that National Standards Bodies (NSBs) can play a core role in stimulating EaS – but is this actually the case? This research aims to investigate what NSBs do in stimulating EaS and hear their perspectives on EaS. Based on the literature and insights from experts in the field, a survey was prepared and sent to NSBs. Next, stories behind the data were revealed during in-depth interviews with NSB experts. The results from 90 NSBs all over the world show that they believe there is a need for EaS and most of them have activities in this field. They also share insights about what should be achieved in the following years, potential solutions to reach their objectives, and the future of EaS. This article advances knowledge in the field of EaS, with a focus on the role, actions, and perspectives of NSBs. This work also provides suggestions on how NSBs can foster EaS together with other stakeholders. This is one of the first studies with a focus on NSBs in fostering EaS.