At ISO, we are dedicated to driving global progress through the power of standards. Our research and education initiatives aim to achieve two key goals: showcasing the transformative impact of standards and identifying emerging opportunities for international standardization. Together, we can shape a safer, more sustainable, and innovative future.
The benefits of standards
Standards have a profound impact on economies, societies, and the environment. They support economic growth, foster social progress, and promote sustainability by:
- Helping companies drive innovation, improve efficiency, and succeed in competitive markets.
- Supporting governments in crafting better regulations and reducing barriers to international trade.
- Empowering consumers with confidence in the safety, quality, and reliability of the products and services they use.
Our research focuses on measuring and communicating these benefits to businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide, ensuring that standards are recognized as essential tools for solving global challenges.
Learn everything about the benefits of standards.
Explore our latest research
Nombre d’entre nous sont convaincus de l’impact positif des normes sur la société, mais face à une large gamme de normes et de documents normatifs abordant une multitude de sujets, comment mesurer cet effet ? Les membres de l’ISO du monde entier ont étudié cette question de manière approfondie et se …
Ce document d’orientation est destiné aux organismes de normalisation du monde entier qui souhaitent évaluer l’impact économique des normes sur leur économie locale. Il fournit à ces organismes des informations détaillées sur une méthodologie qui a fait ses preuves pour divers organismes nationaux de …
Nombre d’entre nous sont convaincus de l’impact positif des normes sur la société, mais face à une large gamme de normes et de documents normatifs abordant une multitude de sujets, comment mesurer cet effet ? Les membres de l’ISO du monde entier ont étudié cette question de manière approfondie et se …
Le lien entre les normes et le commerce est un sujet d’un grand intérêt pour la communauté de la normalisation. Ce rapport de synthèse présente une sélection d’études représentatives sur l’incidence des normes sur le commerce dans une multitude de contextes.
Capturing future opportunities for standardization
The world is evolving, and so are the challenges we face. From emerging technologies to urgent global issues like climate change, there are countless opportunities to use standards as tools for innovation and progress. ISO’se und mission is to identify these opportunities and develop forward-thinking solutions that address:
- Technological advancements: Enabling interoperability, security, and trust in areas like AI, IoT, and blockchain.
- Sustainability goals: Driving progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Global health and safety: Establishing frameworks to ensure the safety and well-being of all people.
- Future economies: Supporting new business models and markets, from the circular economy to digital economies.
By staying ahead of trends, we ensure that ISO standards remain relevant and impactful in addressing the needs of tomorrow’s world.
Get involved
For researchers
- Access our OpenData portal.
- Leverage ISO methodologies to measure the impact of standards.
- Publish your findings in the ISO Research Library.
Connect with our research team
For consultants
- Apply for open RFPs and RFQs.
- Consult open opportunities.
- Utilize ISO methodologies to enhance your projects.
- Share your expertise in the ISO Research Library.
Connect with our research team
For students
- Apply for the ISO Research Grant.
- Access exclusive data, standards and in-kind support, including expert interviews.
- Gain insights into the role of standards through hands-on learning opportunities.
For educators
- Access educational materials to teach the value of standards.
- Request guest presentations or site visits to ISO’s Central Secretariat.
- Inspire the next generation with engaging content about standards.
Connect with our education team
For National Standards Bodies (NSBs)
- Publish your research in the ISO Research Library.
- Use ISO methodologies to conduct impactful national studies.
- Join the Education about Standardization (EaS) Network.
- Collaborate with other ISO members to advance education and research.
Students: Boost your career with the ISO Research Grant
The ISO Research Grant is awarded annually to a postgraduate student or a team (Masters, PhD or post-doc) to conduct a research study on the impacts of international standards related to a theme proposed by ISO. Whether your discipline is part of the humanities, social, natural, formal or applied sciences, you have the chance to submit a project proposal that is relevant to each year’s theme.
Benefits:
- CHF 25000 grant award
- Guidance and support (including comments on drafts, contacts facilitated with relevant practitioners from ISO members, and access to ISO-related data)
- Visibility of your research among researchers, standardization experts, and ISO’s wider network of partners in relevant industries and institutions.
The theme for 2025 is “Standards for supply chain resilience”.
Deadline: 9 July 2025
Together, we shape the future
Whether you’re a researcher, educator, student, consultant, or part of a National Standards Body, we invite you to be part of our journey. By working together, we can use the power of standards to solve the challenges of today and shape a brighter tomorrow.