The European Standardisation Organisations CEN, CENELEC and ETSI play a central role in the European standardisation system, developing standards that support innovation, interoperability, competitiveness and the implementation of European legislation in the Single Market. Through their Technical Committees and Working Groups, they bring together experts from industry, research, public authorities and other stakeholders to develop standards across a wide range of sectors and technologies.
Understanding how these organisations operate and how to meaningfully engage in their technical activities is an essential first step for newcomers to standardisation, particularly SMEs and ICT professionals seeking to contribute their expertise to standards development.
To facilitate this process, StandICT.eu, in collaboration with CEN-CENELEC and ETSI, is developing dedicated introductory learning resources designed to support onboarding into the European standardisation system. These materials offer accessible explanations, practical guidance and concrete steps to help prospective experts identify relevant technical bodies, understand participation procedures and prepare for their first contributions to standardisation activities.
Explore the first learning modules, offering practical support to navigate the European standardisation system and take the first simple steps towards active participation in technical activities.
Representatives:
Claire Dalier - Account Manager, RTD Collaboration at CEN-CENELEC
Claire d'Esclercs - Director of Education and Knowledge at ETSI
Further details on the ESOs and their first module
CEN-CENELEC
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) develop European standards across a broad range of industrial and technological sectors, including digital technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and electrotechnical applications. Their activities are organised through Technical Committees and Working Groups, with experts generally participating through their respective National Standardisation Bodies.
Developed in collaboration with CEN-CENELEC, the first learning module "Getting Started in European Standardization: How to Become an Expert" provides a concise introduction to the European standardisation landscape and the practical steps required to become involved. It explains how to identify relevant technical areas and committees, contact National Standardisation Bodies and explore opportunities to participate in standards development. The module includes a short presentation highlighting key ICT standardisation activities and is accompanied by a dedicated video recording, allowing newcomers to familiarise themselves with the main concepts and participation pathways.
ETSI
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is the European Standardisation Organisation specialising in ICT, developing standards in areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies. Its technical activities are carried out through specialised Technical Groups, bringing together experts from member organisations to collaborate directly on the development of standards.
Developed by ETSI within the collaboration with StandICT, the first module "ETSI Quick Start Guide – Understanding ETSI and Getting Started" is specifically designed for European SMEs and experts approaching ETSI standardisation for the first time.
The guide introduces ETSI's structure, technical activities and standards-development processes, while providing practical instructions on membership, accessing the ETSI Portal, identifying relevant Technical Groups and beginning to participate in their work. It also includes a quick-start checklist with concrete actions to help newcomers prepare for their first meetings and progressively engage in technical discussions and contributions.