Paving the path: drivers of standardization participation at ISO

Abstract Several studies investigating the trade effects of standardization have found a positive impact number international standards in country on its volumes. While so far been considered as exogenous, we investigate what drives countries to take over leading roles, i.e. secretariats, committees International Organization for Standardization (ISO) using panel dataset ISO participation 12 countries. Looking at this phenomenon through perspective agenda setting institutions expect be desirable tool shaping technological trajectories and substantiating global influence via technology transfer. We find that, while most no systematic pattern can observed, both China US show close correlation between R&D work ISO. For China, attribute finding having strategic approach toward participation, distinct features decentralized system. Finally, derive implications findings research practice.