European Standardisation Activities: An Enabling Factor for the Competitive Development of the Information Society Technologies Market

摘要

This article discusses the role of European standardisation in the promotion as well as the development of various Information Society technology (IST) applications. In a global environment where competition dominates, digital technologies are radically transforming our lives. However, although technology is a principal factor in accelerating development, it has to follow certain rules and obligations, mainly imposed by the corresponding standardisation activities, within the context of EU policies. The article goes on to discuss the challenges resulting from the rapid development of the IST sector within the framework of the European Single Market, and more specifically within the latest eEurope initiative, to accelerate the uptake of digital technologies across Europe. The major principles governing European standardisation, the potential involvement of the public authorities and the activities of the existing European standardisation organisations (ESOs) are then reviewed. Standards should be fit for purpose, have a high degree of acceptability, be coherent and well identified with each other and allow for technological innovation and competition; meanwhile standards have to support health, safety and environmental provisions in legislation as well as to continue to develop new policies to adapt to evolving market needs. Simultaneously, public authorities have to ensure interoperability of infrastructure and to strengthen economic and social cohesion within an 'open' and competitive European environment. The article also discusses the 'nature' of standards as practical 'measures-initiatives' to promote market activities and to strengthen competition, specifically within a wide range of major key-digital applications (such as for example, e-commerce, e-security, e-education, e-accessibility, etc.). Finally, there are some concluding remarks on the relationship between European and international standards.