Standardisation in the European Context Thank you. Structure of presentation: what is SBS? SBS Twinning seminar, Sofia, 25 January 2018 Christel Davidson, SBS Director

Economic importance of SMEs Underrepresentation of SMEs in standardisation Establishment of SBS SBS was established at the end of 2013. What prompted the establishment of SBs Economic importance of SMEs Not repeat Véronique but SME big player. Despite economic weight under represented. Why? Standards apply to large companies Unclear what the benefits are Challenges linked to the standards as such: Identify the relevant standards Standards can be complex, difficult to understand Unclear where to turn to SMEs usually suffer from a lack of knowledge of the standardisation process and how to access and participate in the development of standards Lack of resources to participate (eg. lack of human resources, lack of time). Legislative Framework set up to 1 – modernise the standardisation system 2 – ensure a better representation of SMEs (+ societal stakeholders) Without changing the basic principle of standards are voluntary standards are developed by industry for industry Led to the establishment of SBS Legislative Framework

21 members To date, we count 21 members representing national and European horizontal or sectoral trade associations. Also open to EFTA

Mission of SBS to represent the interests of SMEs in the standardisation process at European level, to raise their awareness for standardisation to encourage SMEs to become involved in the standardisation process SME representation and participation in the standardisation process in the EU European but also international standards increasingly being developed at int’l level 4, also the need to raise awarerness among other stakeholders of the views of SMEs SBS is funded by the EC and EFTA member states. Very important: Because SBS is publicly funded, no differentiation….

Represent and support SMEs in standardisation What does SBS do? Represent and support SMEs in standardisation Technical Political SME representation and participation in the standardisation process in the EU Concretely, SBS operates on 2 levels – on a technical and on a political level On the technical level, SBS appoints experts in working groups and technical committees at EU level. In 2018, will be supporting 60 experts (45 European + 15 international) in 19 different sectors construction, ICT, lifts, furniture, wood, textiles, construction, ICT, occupational health and safety, etc. Also services, tourism Selection process Call for proposal end June – deadline November OPEN to ALL Selection committee knowledge about their standard knowledge about standardisation SME knowledge (letter of support) Cross check candidates with priorities of the EU. What do these experts do? They participate in the standardisation process i.e. TC, WGs etc Objective: ensure that the standards developed are SME compatible. Why so important figures mentioned before. Potential greatest standard user. Important: Unlike others Do not represent a country or company. Represent position of European SMEs. How is this ensured. Experts set up mirror committees – group of experts of the sector Provide regular reports SBS also active on the political side SBS participates in the governing bodies of these organisations: the General Assembly, etc. SBS also has a position of observer in the Committee of Standards, the committee which gathers the representatives of members states. 60 experts Governing Bodies at EU level

Awareness-raising & SME involvement What does SBS do? Awareness-raising & SME involvement National Seminars Trainings Trainings Other objectives of SBS are to Raise awareness about the benefits of standards for SMEs For harmonised standards – presumption of conformity – Facilitates trade Reduces costs Study in Ireland showed the benefits of standards: How do we do this? Organise national seminars Trainings Annual conference Capacity building Annual conference Capacity building

What does SBS do? Communication channels Press releases Twitter Internal External Trainings Communication channels Press releases Twitter Website Newsletters Position papers Information flow mechanism Newsletter, press releases, position papers, social media

Reach out to NSOs Trainings on standardisation targeting stakeholders Digital updates on standards – stakeholders can personalise their information flow (daily, weekly,…) A number of SMEs are asked by the NSO to implement a standard before its publication Funding support programme via which SMEs may apply for funding to attend meetings across the globe Discounts for the purchase of several standards SME representation and participation in the standardisation process in the EU European but also international standards increasingly being developed at int’l level 4, also the need to raise awarerness among other stakeholders of the views of SMEs SBS is funded by the EC and EFTA member states. Very important: Because SBS is publicly funded, no differentiation….

Thank you for your attention! Rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat 4 B-1040 Brussels, Belgium info@sbs-sme.eu www.sbs-sme.eu Small Business Standards is co-financed by the European Commission and the EFTA Member States