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SME Compatibility Test for Standards
Testing the compatibility of standards from the SMEs perspective
Standards need to be SME-compatible to result in a better uptake of standards amongst SMEs. SBS has therefore developed a methodology to assess the SME-compatibility of standards.
The SME Compatibility Test builds on CEN-CENELEC Guide 17, Guidance for writing standards taking into account micro, small and medium-sized enterprises needs, which provides advice to standards makers on how to develop SME-compatible standards.
The test is the starting point for possible improvements to a standard if it appears that it does not apply to smaller businesses.
The SME Compatibility Test can be applied at any stage of the process of the development of a standard (enquiry, approval, etc.) and to all types of standards whatever the source, i.e. international (ISO and IEC), regional (example: EN) or national. However, some criteria will not be relevant for some types of standards. The test’s criteria focus on the standard itself, the way it is written, its impact on SMEs and ease of implementation.
Finally, the assessment method will be updated, if necessary, in accordance with the experiences of its users. If you would have any suggestion regarding this assessment method or any of its details, please write to info [at] sbs-sme.eu (t)he secretariat.
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