The voluntary consensus process of standard setting and the legislative process of rule making often share the same goals, and interconnect in many ways. These interconnections will increase in the future, as will the competitive edge of those nations where the public and private sector collaborate most effectively.

Governments and standard setting organizations (SSOs) have much in common, as well as important differences. They also need to work closely together in pursuit of common goals. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can lead to a more effective and efficient partnership.

While the open source model continues to gain momentum, there is another approach to avoiding unacceptable costs and licensing headaches that is more common in some other industries: the patent pool. From time to time, as now, it pops up in the software arena as well.

Definitions may seem like simple tools. But when they are incorporated into statutes, they become powerful legal standards that can have profound impacts on our lives.

It's no surprise that Europe and China, which integrate standard setting much more closely into national and regional policy, are increasing their global impact in important standards areas. Attend this free, interactive analysis of this trend in Washington, D.C. on October 5, co-sponsored by ConsortiumInfo.org/Gesmer Updegrove LLP and held in conjunction with the ANSI Annual Conference during World ...