Speaking of standards: what exactly are they all about?
Elisabeth Staudegger: Standards set out the requirements that a product, process or system must meet in order for it to be usable by everyone. These can include specific dimensions, safety requirements or quality specifications. The idea of uniform standards emerged in the 19th century, when, in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, steam boilers exploded unexpectedly, causing injury and damage to property. Over the course of the 20th century, smaller initiatives gave rise to an increasingly comprehensive standardisation system.
With the unification of European states, national standardisation organisations became increasingly embedded within international structures. What role does the legislator play in this process?
Staudegger: The legislator determines what needs to be protected – for example, safety, health or fundamental rights. However, it does not prescribe the technical details itself. Instead, in the EU, the Commission appoints the European standardisation organisations CEN, CENELEC or ETSI. When this results in a harmonised standard, manufacturers and consumers can assume that products complying with these standards also meet all legal requirements.
Why can standardisation be problematic from a scientific perspective?
Staudegger: Because the committees are often made up of people with conflicting interests. On the one hand, industry is heavily over-represented in some areas. On the other hand, part of international standardisation is increasingly shifting geopolitically towards China. In any case: those who do not sit on the technical committees and working groups do not help shape the rules, but must still abide by them. Europe certainly has great scientific potential that could contribute a great deal here. But far too few of our experts are part of these committees.
Together with Katrin Fladischer and Barbara Reiter, you are organising the Academic Standard Day at the University of Graz on 16 June. What is this event about?
Staudegger: Above all, it’s about raising awareness of the importance of standardisation. Many people are familiar with DIN A4, ISO certifications or Ö-Norm standards from everyday life. What is less well known, however, is: who actually sets these standards? How can one get involved in their development? We need not only lawyers to get involved here, but representatives from all scientific disciplines.
Which researchers from the University of Graz are attending?
Staudegger: We have academics from the fields of philosophy, economics, law, neuropsychology, and sports and exercise sciences in attendance. The UNESCO Chair in Human Rights and Human Security is also taking part. From the universities in Graz, we expect representatives from the Medical University, University of Technology, Campus02 and FH Joanneum. The conference is open to all, and the public is also invited to join the discussion. After all, the aim is to have a say in what our high-tech world will look like in the future.
What contribution can science make to this topic?
Staudegger: It can link technical feasibility with social, legal and ethical issues. It can ask whether a standard respects human dignity, autonomy, freedom and fundamental rights or not. It can examine the consequences of a technical design for markets, the world of work, administration, culture or education. It can also critique existing standards and make better proposals. We will be dedicating the morning to these questions. In the afternoon, we’ll lighten the programme and share our favourite standards with one another, amongst other things. Anyone who fancies it can make a video, present it and, with a bit of luck, win one of the prizes.
What is your favourite standard?
Staudegger: At the moment, quite clearly: USB-C. The plug fits everywhere, which makes my daily life so much easier, reduces electronic waste and minimises dependence on individual suppliers. This example shows very clearly how a single standard can make life easier for users and have a lot of positive effects.
>> More information on Academic Standard Day on 16 June 2026 is available here. Please note that registration closes today, 12 June 2026!
>> Anyone wishing to explore the topic from a legal perspective can study law at the University of Graz.