• About Us

    About Us

    Small Business Standards (SBS) is the voice of European SMEs in the standardisation process.

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    About Standards

    Standards are everywhere and cover many topics, products and services. From quality management systems and tattooing services to screw head sizes or safety of childcare articles or machinery.

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    How are Standards Drafted

    Standards are the result of a consensus-building process involving different interests and stakeholders. Understand the process for the development of standards and how to get involved.

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    Explore the network of European, International and National standardisation bodies developing standards on diverse topics across different sectors.

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    Horizontal Topics

    Discover main horizontal topics of importance for small businesses in which SBS   is actively working to ensure SME views and interests are considered in standardisation and related legislation.

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    Enhance your knowledge of standardisation with our suite of learning tools. Tailored to the needs of SMEs, these educational resources provide the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the standardisation process and learn about standards in a specific area.

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    SME Compatibility Test for Standards

    SBS has developed a test for the assessment of the compatibility of standards with SME needs. Test a standard to see if it can be easily applied by smaller companies!

    Useful External Resources

    Discover the information and services that standards bodies offer SMEs to facilitate their access to standards and  standardisation.In 2010, CEN and CENELEC adopted the so-called Guide 17, a list of recommendations that standards makers should consider when writing standards to ensure they meet SME needs. The guide was also adopted by ISO and IEC in 2016. Guide 17 is available in several European languages.

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    In this section, we provide you with the latest SME standardisation-related developments.

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New SBS Study: Empowering SMEs in the Renewable Energy Sector

New SBS Study: Empowering SMEs in the Renewable Energy Sector

New Study: Empowering SMEs in Renewable Energy Sector by Unlocking Opportunities through Standardisation Strategies

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are not just participants, they are driving the renewable energy revolution in Europe. Our latest study delves into their crucial role across the supply chain, from innovation to installation. Discover how standardisation can unlock even greater opportunities for SME growth, enhance competitiveness, and accelerate the energy transition.

The report summarises the role of SMEs in the renewable energy value chain and analyses current standardisation activities most relevant to SMEs and outlines clear recommendations for SBS to look forward to:

  1. Strengthen SME Participation by finding experts in ISO, IEC and CEN/CENELEC Technical Committees mentioned in the report.
  2. Raise Awareness & Capacity Building through practical guides for SMEs to understand how and why to participate in the standardisation process, and dedicated events perhaps at the Energy Sustainability Week 2025.
  3. Advocate for SME-Friendly Policies like financial support for participation in international standardisation meetings in collaboration with other associations.

 

Read the full report here. 

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Views and opinions expressed are those of Small Business Standards (SBS) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EFTA. Neither the European Union nor EFTA can be held responsible for them.