Berlin, 24 June 2025. For digitalization to really simplify administrative and business processes, clear digital rules are needed. Norms and standards can make a decisive contribution to this – if they are widely used. This is the result of the 13th survey round of the German Standardization Panel, which was presented today by DIN and DKE. The organizations surveyed, most of which were companies, shared their views on participation in standardization, the use of digital standards and standards in relation to reducing bureaucracy, among other things.
Great potential for SMART standards
Digital standards – known as SMART standards – are a key lever for simplifying administrative and business processes. They enable automated processing of standardized information, minimize room for interpretation and reduce costs. 33% of the companies surveyed are already familiar with SMART standards and 17% actively use them. They are particularly widespread in sectors with a high degree of digitalization, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and vehicle construction.
Standards as a tool for reducing bureaucracy
The results of the standardization panel show: Large companies and technology-oriented sectors tend to see potential in standardization to reduce bureaucracy, especially in the energy and ICT sectors. Compared to legislation, standardization is rated more positively by companies – particularly with regard to transparency, factual orientation and feasibility. While the perception of legislation is rather critical in key categories such as efficiency, coherence and openness, standardization scores better. This brings standardization as an instrument for self-administration more into focus.
SMEs evaluate benefits more cautiously
While large, technology-oriented companies clearly recognize the potential of norms and standards to reduce bureaucracy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more cautious. Particularly in highly regulated sectors such as construction, the metal industry or consumer goods production, the benefits of standardization for reducing bureaucracy are viewed more sceptically. The use of SMART standards is also low in these sectors. The results show: SMEs in particular often lack the resources, experience and supporting infrastructure to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital standardization.
Thinking digitally and using standardization strategically
The results of the German Standardization Panel 2025 make it clear that SMART standards can be a strategic tool for modernizing business and administration. In order to develop their full potential, targeted support, sector-specific approaches and the involvement of all company sizes are required.
What is the German Standardization Panel?
For the German Standardization Panel, scientists at the Technical University of Berlin survey companies annually on the importance of norms and standards. The project is supported by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN e. V.) and the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE) under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The German Standardization Panel has so far included data from more than 8,000 companies, including more than half of the DAX 40 companies as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises. Further information and the complete results can be found at www.normungspanel.de
