1.1. The Strategic Importance of Standards and Standardisation

Modern life is not possible without standards that are present all around us. You can plug all the electrical products you buy into the same socket, and each TV will receive a signal from the local broadcaster. To replace tyres on a car, you only need to know the marks – all manufacturers produce tyres following the dimensions and marking standards.4 At the same time, on the market full of products manufactured following the standards, it is possible to find many products of different quality, classes or types. Product standards do not define all product characteristics but only some important for the market. Imagine how good it would be if every cartridge fit every printer, regardless of manufacturer, just like you can buy printing paper from any manufacturer. There are plenty of varieties in their quality and prices, but they are all in the same format. All of them are in A4 format, which, like other A and B formats, was first defined by the DIN 476 standard, published in 1922. Welcome to the world of standardisation, where much work is still to be done (Mijatović, 2019).
There are plenty of examples which show the strategic importance of standards and standardisation in fostering economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness, enhancing quality, safety, interoperability, and compatibility, and enabling access to the global market usually by reducing technical trade barriers.
According to the ETSI (2024), key reasons why it is important to teach the strategic importance of standardisation are:

• Economic Competitiveness: Standardisation is a key driver of economic competitiveness. By adhering to recognized standards, industries enhance product quality, reduce costs, and streamline processes. Educating the workforce about these standards ensures that businesses remain globally competitive and can participate actively in international trade.
• Innovation and Research: Standardisation fosters innovation by providing a common framework for the development and implementation of new technologies. A well‐educated population is better equipped to engage in research and development activities that adhere to established standards, contributing to technological advancements and breakthroughs.
• Consumer Protection: Standardisation is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of products and services, this includes the ever‐increasing threats due to Cyber security. Educating consumers about the significance of standards empowers them to make informed choices, protecting their interests and fostering trust in the marketplace.
• Global Trade Facilitation: International trade relies on standardized practices to ensure smooth cross‐border transactions. By educating the workforce about global standards, businesses are able to seamlessly integrate into the international market, fostering economic growth and diplomatic relations.
• Environmental Sustainability: Standards play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices and mitigating environmental impact. Integrating education on environmental standards prepares our citizens to contribute to sustainable development and address global challenges, such as climate change.