How will standards facilitate new production systems in the context of EU innovation and competitiveness in 2025? : final report

Standards are very important as they provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. They contribute to remove technical barriers to trade, leading to new markets and economic growth for industry. They also facilitate technology transfer and they contribute to ensure safety of products thereby affecting the daily life of citizens. This report 'How will standards facilitate new production systems in the context of EU innovation and competitiveness in 2025?' is the outcome of a foresight process looking at how standards and standardisation can become even more relevant policy tool supporting different European policies. The study has especially looked at the areas where Europe drives innovation, where the development of new products and processes could lead to new trade of goods, services and technologies. The foresight process has dealt with standardisation by using a holistic approach. It explored at how effective standards can be developed within a European industrial landscape vision able to contribute to jobs and growth in a sustainable manner. The report provides a clear overview of the evolution of the European production system and illustrates what are the drivers of change influencing the future production system. The Industrial Landscape Vision was used to identify the its implications on the European Standardisation System and it highlights priorities for the development of standards in the future.