Standardisation is a crucial tool that helps industries and stakeholders agree on technical specifications, ensuring interoperability and consistency. The development of common European standards, alongside the removal of conflicting national standards, has been instrumental in creating a unified European Single Market.
For SMEs, standards are essential as they help to improve product quality, increase efficiency, facilitate access to European and international markets, and ensure compliance with regulations. However, awareness of standardisation remains low among SMEs. This webinar series is designed to bridge that gap, offering valuable insights to SME associations and empowering them to better support their members. By participating, you can gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of standards and learn how to actively engage in the standardisation process.
SBS and SME United have joined forces to propose 4 webinars to master standardisation for SMEs associations and their members, one over the next four months, at 14:00. Over these webinar series, SBS will cover various aspects of standardisation in short, engaging webinars, where you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get practical advice.
To register please send an email to Doris Rabetge: d.rabetge@sbs-sme.eu
1. Why Standards Matter: key concepts explained
26 September 2024 | 14 – 14.45 CEST
This session will introduce participants to the world of standards, explaining what they are and why they matter. Attendees will learn about different types of standards – such as product, management, and service standards – and their relevance to SMEs. We’ll explore how adhering to standards can open doors to new markets, ensure product safety and quality, and boost consumer trust. Whether you’re new to standardisation or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide valuable insights on how standards can drive growth and innovation.
2. Standards and Regulations: Navigating the Compliance maze
23 October 2024 | 14 – 14.45 CEST
In this webinar, we’ll dive into the relationship between standards, regulations, and conformity assessment. Discover how voluntary standards interact with mandatory regulations and the legal framework governing these areas. We’ll demystify the European legal framework and discuss the concept of harmonised standards. This session is essential to understand how SMEs can use standards to ensure compliance, minimise risks, and understand the legal landscape in which they operate.
3. Creating standards: Understanding the process
27 November 2024 | 14 – 14.45 CEST
Have you ever wondered how a standard is developed? This session will take you behind the scenes of the standardisation process and will take place during our Meeting Standards week. We’ll guide you through the stages of developing a standard, from the initial proposal to the final publication. Learn about the key players involved, including Technical Committees and Working Groups. This session will provide attendees with a clear picture of how standards come to life and the critical roles they can play in shaping them.
4. Get involved: Shaping standards to the benefit of SMEs
18 December 2024 | 14 – 14.45 CEST
SMEs have a unique opportunity to influence the standards that impact their industries. This session will explore how SMEs can engage in the standardisation process. We’ll discuss the benefits of involvement, share best practices from successful SME representatives, and provide practical tips on where to find information and how to get started. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to become an active player in the world of standardisation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and discover how standards can benefit SMEs!