The DSM Communication emphasizes the essential role of standards in increasing interoperability, supporting (steering) the development of new technologies and ultimately in boosting competitiveness.

This vision is currently being specified in a Priority ICT Standards Plan that the European Commission plans to release later in 2015.

The “digital economy” means that ICT - in addition to being a sector in itself - is transversal to all industry sectors and this impacts on standardization: its nature, perimeter, the way standards are made and by whom, the processes.

In addition, the DSM communication induces questions relating to the role of policy makers in the equation, the dynamics between standards/policy making and regulation and how to get the optimum combination to support a fully functional digital single market both from a users and industrial competiveness perspective.

On the occasion of the World Standards Day (14th October), the EIF is organizing a Breakfast Debate addressing these key questions.