Government activity to increase benefits from the global standards system

In this paper,we review the factors influencing the evolution of the global standards system. We then discuss some of the approaches that governments have taken or are exploring in order to modify the system for the benefit of domestic and worldwide economic development. We use as an example an effort of the U.S.National Institute of Standards and Technology to encourage voluntary consensus standards for interoperable broadband wireless access systems. This article has been accepted for publication in the Proceedings of the 2nd IEEE Conference on Standardization and Innovation in Information Technology (Boulder, Colorado, USA, 3-5 October 2001). Purpose This document may be of interest in understanding the position of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group with respect to global standardization. Notice This document has been prepared to assist IEEE 802.16. It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein. GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY TO INCREASE BENEFITS FROM THE GLOBAL STANDARDS SYSTEM Roger B. Marks NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY Robert E. Hebner THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN In this paper, we review the factors influencing the evolution of the global standards system. We then discuss some of the approaches that governments have taken or are exploring in order to modify the system for the benefit of domestic and worldwide economic development. We use as an example an effort of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology to encourage voluntary consensus standards for interoperable broadband wireless access systems. lobalization of the economy has in turn led to globalization of standardization. Governments play a strong role in shaping the global standards system. They have explored many approaches to optimize the system to meet their economic and social needs. Governmental activity sometimes conflicts with the interests of other governments or of local industry. In this paper, we investigate some of these issues. Benefits of Standards The benefits of standards in a modern economy have been classified into four categories [1]: • Quality and reliability – Standards may define an acceptable level of performance. The standards dealing with boilers and pressure vessels that have been promulgated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are good examples. Governmental regulators have sometimes made these standards legally binding to assure a minimum level of public safety. • Information – Standards may provide evaluated scientific and technical information. For example, in the construction industry; the latest research, from concrete handling to earthquake protection, is evaluated and incorporated into standards. The construction crews and engineers who use these standards can thereby exploit advanced technical information without independent knowledge of all recent research. • Compatibility and interoperability – Standards may provide agreed-upon interfaces so that systems can operate with parts from different manufacturers. Examples are commonplace and include nuts and bolts, railroad gauges, electrical plus and outlets, and interoperability standards for computer and telecommunication systems. • Variety reduction – Standards may limit the number of possible variants of a product or process. Such reductions lead to economies of scale and can also stimulate economic growth. Standardizing the size of a bread slice led not only to an economy of scale for commercial bakers but also to inexpensive toasters and plastic sandwich bags. As a result of benefits like these, standards have proliferated. About 200,000 exist [2], with broad implications in industry and society. Key Factors Forcing Changes in Standards Development Two key interrelated factors are stimulating changes in the system by which standards are developed and promulgated. The first is the end of the Cold War. During the Cold War, the world was divided into two adversarial ∗ U.S. Government work, not subject to U.S. Copyright. G 2001 IEEE Conference on Standards and Innovation in Information Technology Boulder, Colorado, USA, 3-5 October 2001