This IEC book is a compilation of commended papers from the IEC Centenary Challenge, a competition for papers on the economic, business and social impact of International Standards on business. The competition was organized in association with The Economist magazine and in partnership with three leading professional engineering bodies: the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology); IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); and VDE, the German association for electrical, electronic and information technologies. The IEC Challenge Award Ceremony was held at Savoy Place, London, on 14 December 2006.