The Third Estate – The Role of SMEs in ICT Standards Setting

Kai Jakobs, Aachen University Computer Science Department, Informatik IV

1/01/2005
(Original Publish Date: 2000)

The paper first describes the roles of users in ICT standardisation, distinguishing between large users and SMEs. The different degrees of impact which the various stakeholders have on the process are then discussed. The outcome of a small survey of the views standards committees members have on SME user participation are also discussed. Finally, some suggestions are made on how meaningful participation of SME users in standards setting could be achieved; dedicated user groups are suggested as one means to increase SMEs' influence onthe process.