BEC Webinar on SMART Standards, on the 24th of September 2025
Over the past few years, IEC and ISO have been exploring several possibilities in rendering standardization more digital, as part of a global trend of digital transformation and to respond to changing practice of standard’s usage.
The “SMART” Project, which entails transforming the current, paper-based standards into digitally enabled standards that are applicable, readable and transferable by machines, is the primary focus, as earmarked by both the IEC and ISO Board as being the driving element in allowing for standardization to embrace the digital age. Additionally, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, IEC and ISO intend to render SMART Standards compatible with these tools to further improve current standardization procedures and deliverables.
From a 2023 study conducted by the IEC Market Strategy Board, the computerization of standards would provide three main benefits: better performance, an improved risk value, and a more robust future value.
With better performance is meant that SMART Standards would aid standards’ setters in drafting standards at a faster pace with higher qualitative output. In terms of the values, the risk value relates to the possibility of having SMART Standards providing better alignment with legislation and conformity assessment, while the future value caters more to dynamic or emerging markets by making standards setting more accessible. All in all, the SMART Project intends to impact stakeholders from across the board, which is in part indicative of the magnitude of the project.
As part of an ongoing pilot program to introduce SMART Standards to National Committees, the BEC has invited the IEC to provide a presentation on the current developments. In the webinar, which will last 1.5 hours, speakers from the IEC will demonstrate what has currently been implemented in a pre-production environment, with the goal of seeking as much input from National Committees as possible. Thus, the webinar will serve as a perfect opportunity to not only have a first look at the SMART Project, but also help standardization organizations in shaping its future.