Standards play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the green and digital transitions, as well as in new technologies of all types. They are also becoming more and more important in global terms for successful policies to stay competitive and attract investment.

Dr Franziska Brantner, Parliamentary State Secretary: “Standardisation is becoming increasingly important for Germany, and thus also for Europe, both strategically and in terms of competitiveness. We want to improve the coordination with the standardisation stakeholders in order to better assert Germany’s interests in the field of international standardisation. At the same time, we want to support and map the activities of the High-Level Forum on European Standardisation, in which we play a proactive role.”

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action founded the German Strategy Forum for Standardisation today. Chaired by Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Franziska Brantner, decision-makers in the field of standardisation from commerce, science, society and policy-making will identify strategic issues affecting Germany’s competitiveness. The new body will also focus on a more strategic approach to the participation of German experts in European and international standardisation. The work is to be dovetailed with that of existing standardisation bodies. Whilst upholding the private-sector foundations of standardisation under the German Standardisation Agreement, the German Strategy Forum will advise on matters like key standardisation projects and needs, funding policies and fundamental decisions at international and European standardisation organisations. Not least, the body is to ensure integration with the European Commission’s new strategic High-Level Forum on European Standardisation, in which Franziska Brantner represents the Federal Government.

The Forum was set up following a call for expressions of interest, and consists of 42 members appointed for a two-year period. You can find the list of members here.