At ISO, we are dedicated to driving global progress through the power of standards. Our research and education initiatives aim to achieve two key goals: showcasing the transformative impact of standards and identifying emerging opportunities for international standardization. Together, we can shape a safer, more sustainable, and innovative future.
The benefits of standards
Standards have a profound impact on economies, societies, and the environment. They support economic growth, foster social progress, and promote sustainability by:
- Helping companies drive innovation, improve efficiency, and succeed in competitive markets.
- Supporting governments in crafting better regulations and reducing barriers to international trade.
- Empowering consumers with confidence in the safety, quality, and reliability of the products and services they use.
Our research focuses on measuring and communicating these benefits to businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide, ensuring that standards are recognized as essential tools for solving global challenges.
Learn everything about the benefits of standards.
Explore our latest research
Many of us believe that standards have a positive impact on society, but with such a large range of standards types and topics, how can we measure this impact? ISO members around the globe have probed this question, asking ‘what is the impact of standards on our national economy’?
This is a guidance document aimed at standards organizations around the world that are interested in assessing the economic impact of standards on their local economy. It provides them with the details of a methodology that has been successfully employed by several national standards bodies around the …
Many of us believe that standards have a positive impact on society, but with such a large range of standards types and topics, how can we measure this impact? ISO members around the globe have probed this question, asking ‘what is the impact of standards on our national economy’?
The relationship between standards and trade is a topic of great interest in the standardization community. In this synthesis review, a selection of emblematic studies draws together findings on the impacts of standards on trade across multiple contexts. With this, we can draw some conclusions about …
Capturing future opportunities for standardization
The world is evolving, and so are the challenges we face. From emerging technologies to urgent global issues like climate change, there are countless opportunities to use standards as tools for innovation and progress. ISO’se und mission is to identify these opportunities and develop forward-thinking solutions that address:
- Technological advancements: Enabling interoperability, security, and trust in areas like AI, IoT, and blockchain.
- Sustainability goals: Driving progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Global health and safety: Establishing frameworks to ensure the safety and well-being of all people.
- Future economies: Supporting new business models and markets, from the circular economy to digital economies.
By staying ahead of trends, we ensure that ISO standards remain relevant and impactful in addressing the needs of tomorrow’s world.
Get involved
For researchers
- Access our OpenData portal.
- Leverage ISO methodologies to measure the impact of standards.
- Publish your findings in the ISO Research Library.
Connect with our research team
For consultants
- Apply for open RFPs and RFQs.
- Consult open opportunities.
- Utilize ISO methodologies to enhance your projects.
- Share your expertise in the ISO Research Library.
Connect with our research team
For students
- Apply for the ISO Research Grant.
- Access exclusive data, standards and in-kind support, including expert interviews.
- Gain insights into the role of standards through hands-on learning opportunities.
For educators
- Access educational materials to teach the value of standards.
- Request guest presentations or site visits to ISO’s Central Secretariat.
- Inspire the next generation with engaging content about standards.
Connect with our education team
For National Standards Bodies (NSBs)
- Publish your research in the ISO Research Library.
- Use ISO methodologies to conduct impactful national studies.
- Join the Education about Standardization (EaS) Network.
- Collaborate with other ISO members to advance education and research.
Together, we shape the future
Whether you’re a researcher, educator, student, consultant, or part of a National Standards Body, we invite you to be part of our journey. By working together, we can use the power of standards to solve the challenges of today and shape a brighter tomorrow.