ISO Focus - June 2007

The Economic and Social Benefits of Standards

ISO Focus, June 2007

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ISO’s International Standards have been traditionally recognized for their technical and industrial benefits. But their role in promoting economic and social development, as well as environmental protection is now increasingly acknowledged. The awareness of the international community of ISO's positive contributions to globalization is growing, through standards for technology dissemination, global interoperability, testing and conformity assessment, quality, health, safety, security and the environment.

The June 2007 issue of ISO Focus looks at the benefits of International Standards as a tool for economic and social development, with a portfolio of articles reflecting the global and regional importance of International Standards. With contributions from leading experts, the June issue takes a look at the importance of standards in technology and innovation, the global supply chain and international trade, and then gives highlights from diverse sectors like multimedia, building and freight containers.

In an exclusive interview in the June issue, Secretary-General of the OECD Angel Gurria emphasizes how important standards are in protecting the environment, ensuring consumer safety, increasing the transparency of product information and compatibility of products as well as serving many other goals.

Read all about the myriad of the economic and social benefits of International Standards in the June 2007 issue of ISO Focus.

Comment

Håkan Murby, ISO President
ISO International Standards in support of sustainable development

Guest View

Angel Gurría
OECD Secretary General

"Innovation, growth and equity are crucial policy issues at the OECD."

Main Focus

Economic and societal benefits of standards

• International Standards and the global supply chain
• Complying with International Standards – Costs and benefits of a regional approach
• NIST studies the economic and social impact of standards
• Market requisites – Obstacles or opportunities?
• SMEs and the National Standardization Strategic Framework – The benefits of standards
• MPEG standards for industry and the masses
• Promoting sustainable development in the construction industry through standardization
• Benefits of building standards
• Driving the course of safety
• A truck driver who changed the world – Malcolm McLean
• The National Standards Strategy and Action Plan of Malaysia
• Oil and gas producers maintain position on standards
• Technology, innovation and standards in the global economy

Developments and initiatives

• ISO and IEC – copyright in standards
• ISO standards and World Environment Day

World Scene

• Highlights of events from around the world

ISO Scene

• Highlights of news from ISO