Standards as a Shared Framework for Collaboration
What is a Shared Framework?
A shared framework is a set of established criteria for quality, performance, consistency, and safety. It provides a universal vocabulary that transcends language and allows all stakeholders to access and apply the same concepts.
These frameworks are created by technical committees that share a common goal. For instance, in Australia, the “Wiring Rules” are developed by a technical committee known as EL-001. This committee includes government representatives, electrical distributors, manufacturers, industry experts, and electrical contractors. Together, they ensure that Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 remains safe, relevant, and fit for purpose in today’s environment.
Collaboration in Action
Across many industries, working towards a common Standard is key to driving innovation in a safe and sustainable way.
Healthcare
In 2020, the world was thrust into a global health crisis when COVID-19 spread rapidly across every country. The airborne virus highlighted the critical importance of respiratory protection Standards, with PPE protocols and N95-grade masks becoming essential in protecting communities. Manufacturers, regulators, and healthcare providers worked together to provide the guidelines needed to safeguard the public and patients alike.
Information Technology
In today’s interconnected world, where digital presence and data protection are non-negotiable, Standards that safeguard information are a cornerstone of global collaboration. ISO/IEC 27001:2022, for instance, specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). This Standard applies to organisations of all sizes and sectors, supporting global interoperability while ensuring the security of sensitive information.
Energy
As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, Standards play a pivotal role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and interoperability. International Standards for solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems allow manufacturers, regulators, and energy providers to collaborate across borders. These shared frameworks not only accelerate innovation but also build trust in renewable technologies, ensuring they can be integrated seamlessly into existing energy infrastructure.
Is Collaboration Measurable?
Absolutely. The impact of working together through Standards can be seen in improved safety records, enhanced product reliability, faster adoption of emerging technologies, and stronger consumer confidence. Industries that adopt shared Standards consistently report lower error rates, reduced costs, and greater efficiency across supply chains.
At a broader level, Standards contribute directly to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They provide tangible evidence of collaboration’s role in advancing sustainability, fostering innovation, and building resilient global systems.
This World Standards Day, we celebrate the power of Standards as a shared framework for collaboration. By uniting governments, organisations, and industries, Standards create the foundation for meaningful partnerships that address today’s most pressing challenges, from health and safety to energy, technology, and beyond.
As we look to the future, the need for collaboration will only intensify. Standards will remain the trusted common language that enables us to innovate, safeguard communities, and build sustainable solutions. By continuing to work together through Standards, we can create a safer, more sustainable, and more innovative future for all.