SME access to European standardization

Executive summary The European standards bodies CEN and CENELEC have asked for recommendations on how to improve access to European standardization for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ultimate aim is to provide solutions to improve the value of standardization and standards for SMEs and to reduce their financial impact. The project addresses European standards (including their development) and standardization, and relates these to the business goals of SMEs. SMEs are enterprises with fewer than 250 employees; they form a diverse group, ranging from small crafts to innovative high-tech companies. In order to prepare this advice, literature was studied, a workshop was organized and the preliminary findings were verified in a survey among the CEN and CENELEC members (National Standards Bodies and National Committees, respectively, both referred to below as ‘NSBs’) Barriers for SMEs Many SMEs could obtain greater benefit from standards and standardization or, indeed, even face problems relating to standards. This situation arises from the inherent weaknesses of many SMEs, in particular their lack of strategic resources. Solutions may focus on these resources, for instance by compensating for a lack of time, money or knowledge. They may also focus on making the ‘supply side’ of standards and standardization more easily accessible. The third option is to focus on the role of intermediary organizations to bridge the gap between SMEs and the ‘standardization world’. Trade associations, in particular, could play this role. SMEs may face the following sequence of barriers to benefit from standards: a) awareness of standards; b) awareness of the importance of standards for the SME’s own company; c) tracing standards; d) obtaining standards; e) understanding standards; f) implementing standards; g) evaluating the implementation of standards. They may, in addition, face the following sequence of barriers to benefit from involvement in standardization: a) awareness of the process of standardization; b) awareness of the importance of involvement in standardization for the SME’s own company; c) tracing standardization projects; d) becoming involved; e) being involved effectively; f) evaluation. A toolbox of 58 solutions We have developed a set of 58 solutions: first, for greater benefit to be obtained from standards; second, to achieve more benefit from involvement in standardization, and a third category of general solutions to facilitate these aims. They are solutions to the barriers referred to above, and examples of the solutions have been provided. This set of 58 solutions may be seen as a ‘toolbox’ from which NSBs and trade associations can select the appropriate subset to support SMEs in their country. A survey among both NSBs and trade associations showed support for almost the entire set of solutions. Many of the proposed solutions are in place already in a substantial number of NSBs; these NSBs then tend to highlight both their relevance and cost-effectiveness. However, the term ‘having implemented’ does not exclude the possibility of improving this implementation by using the toolbox. The issue of free standards, often considered to be the core issue for SMEs, does not have a prominent place in our study. The price of standards is no more than one of the issues relating to the barrier to obtaining standards. ‘Free’ standards are not a reasonable solution given the current business models of most NSBs. SMEs need support in their immediate environment at national level. The major role, therefore, is to be assumed by the NSBs and the national trade associations. A strong co-ordination between the two is a prerequisite. Of course, the national level depends on efficient functioning at the European level, but the NSBs are not in favour of measures to make further improvements at that level; the trade associations, in particular those for small SMEs, see more importance and cost-effectiveness in these solutions. Recommendations for CEN and CENELEC CEN and CENELEC could function as a platform for the exchange of information between NSBs with regard to following up the implementation of the toolbox – for example, which solutions are deployed, which give the best results, in which case, etc. The system of European standardization is in line for some improvements in its process, in the information relating to the process, and in the quality of CEN/CENELEC support for this process. Recommendations for NSBs Most of the 58 solutions apply to NSBs. They can choose the relevant subset by assessing the current situation in their country: Which solutions are in place already and which are not? To which barriers do they relate? Guidance is given to determine national priorities. In any event, the top priority is to further improve or establish relationships with trade associations, to discuss with them who will take which role, and to provide them with knowledge and materials. Another priority area would appear to be education in standardization, it being seen as the fundamental starting point for solving the problem of lack of awareness of standards and standardization. Recommendations for trade associations In improving the situation for SMEs, the role of trade associations is crucial. Some trade associations are very active in supporting their members in the field of standards and standardization; others have less or no activity. Support by trade associations could start with an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the member companies in relation to the opportunities created by, and threats imposed by, standards and standardization. This could be an exercise undertaken by NSBs and trade associations together. Based on that, the trade association can select the proper set of solutions from the list provided in the report. Close co-operation with the relevant NSB is recommended.