(Berlin/Frankfurt a. M., 25 June 2024) DIN and DKE today published the results of the 12th survey round of the German Standardization Panel. The organizations surveyed, primarily companies, emphasize the need to further develop standards for the digital and green transition and to take greater account of research results and international networking.
The survey conducted by the Technische Universität Berlin from October 2023 to January 2024 included information from over 1,600 companies. The standardization panel provides valuable insights into developments and trends in standardization. The annual survey has been conducted since 2012 and has been under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection since 2016.
Great interest in safety and resilience as well as the circular economy
The results of this year's standardization panel show the areas in which industry is particularly interested in standards for the green and digital transition. The need for standards in this context is considered to be high. However, the majority of the organizations surveyed are not yet active in standardization for the green or digital transformation. The researchers also found that standards in the context of security and resilience as well as the circular economy are seen as particularly beneficial. In the digital field, there is great interest in the topics of data interoperability, artificial intelligence and digital product passports.
Strengthening innovative power and competitiveness
Prof. Dr. Knut Blind from TU Berlin and Fraunhofer ISI comments on the results: "The green and digital transformation requires quickly recognized international standards to ensure that new technologies are implemented safely and sustainably. Research results should therefore be incorporated into standardization in a timely manner in order to accelerate the development of new technologies and shorten innovation cycles. All this will not only strengthen innovation, but also ensure the competitiveness of the European economy and ultimately contribute to sustainable transformation."
Dr. Kurt D. Bettenhausen, Chairman of the DKE Council, emphasizes: "In the green and digital transformation, a strong connection to international standards is crucial. International networking and the presumption of conformity of European standards are crucial for their global acceptance and success. International standards promote global trade and dismantle technical barriers. It is important that we step up our efforts to ensure that European standards can be recognized and used worldwide."
Sibylle Gabler, Member of the Executive Board of DIN: "Standards are already supporting the green and digital transformation, providing guidance and assistance. However, the results of the German Standardization Panel also show us that there is a need for even greater involvement of stakeholders from business, science, the public sector and civil society. We therefore invite all interested parties to the standardization round table in order to shape our future topics together."
About the German Standardization Panel
For the German Standardization Panel, researchers led by Professor Dr. Knut Blind regularly ask about the importance of standards for companies. The project is supported by the national standardization organizations DIN and DKE under the patronage of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. The German Standardization Panel has so far included data from more than 7,000 different companies, including more than half of the DAX 40 companies as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises. Among other things, the data collected helps to gain new scientific insights into the topic of standardization for research. Further information and the complete results can be found at https://www.normungspanel.de/en/.
