Abstract:

The paper will first look at three different approaches towards ICT standardisation that can be observed in three different parts of the world. In the US, a 'laissez-faire' approach has led to the mushrooming of – largely sectoral – standards bodies. In China, government exerts a strict regulatory regime. To some extent, Europe may be considered a middle way between these extremes; a certain level of regulatory influence is mixed with a system of national/regional bodies that develop voluntary standards. The approaches will be compared based on a number of criteria, including, for example, 'standards emergence' and 'stakeholder representation', but also more indirectly relevant aspects like 'standards education'. This will be followed by a SWOT analysis of the three approaches. It will turn out that Europe will need to adapt her ICT standardisation system in order to remain being a relevant player in the future.