Despite the fact that adequate stakeholder participation is essential to the European standardization process, it appears that the representation of SMEs in European standardization activities is often inadequate.
To address this and in order to strenghten the cooperation with SMEs on standardization at European level CEN and CENELEC devised the SME Standardization Toolkit (SMEST) projects: SMEST 1 (2008/2009) and SMEST 2 (2011/2013)
Throughout 2008 and 2009, CEN and CENELEC carried out a project on the 'External visibility and promotion project to assist SMEs in Europe'. The project entitled SMEST 1 was led by NEN (the Netherlands) and involved the following partners, all being National Standards Bodies (NSBs): NEC (The Netherlands), SIS (Sweden), MSZT (Hungary) and SIST (Slovenia).
The SMEST-project resulted in 3 major recommendations:
1. Cooperation and information sharing in knowledge system
Convert the SMEST toolkit into a dynamic knowledge system. This system needs to be a platform where knowledge, information, best practices and experiences can be shared. This will improve and strengthen the system, so NSBs could do more with the same resources;
Extend the training to other “traditional” CEN-CENELEC member countries but also to some CEN-CENELEC affiliate members.
2. Best-practice support /tailor-made market approach
Provide a platform for NSBs to exchange information;
Provide additional support to approach specific markets with the use of toolkit items where necessary. The specific support process might include a case-by-case consultancy arrangement;
Encourage and support NSBs towards the implementation of the toolkit measures.
3. Support national SME associations
Support national SME associations (e.g. professional organizations or trade unions) at European and national level to improve their role in terms of awareness, information and participation.”
Given the continuing and growing importance of SMEs in European Standardization, CEN and CENELEC, ASI (Austria) , DIN (Germany), NEN (the Netherlands) and NORMAPME propose to work together in SMEST 2 to strengthen and promote the links between SMEs and standardization in terms of:
Based on the recommendations and experiences from SMEST 1, this project will complement the specific actions being undertaken by CEN and CENELEC members to implement the findings of the SME Access Study at European level, by providing guidance and practical support.
The objectives of the SMEST 2 project can therefore be described as follows:
- Support CEN/CENELEC members by providing them a dynamic knowledge-based system with improved tools to promote involvement of national SME associations and SMEs in terms of awareness, information and participation
- Support CEN/CENELEC members and national organizations to strengthen their cooperation
- Support national SME associations and SMEs by promoting the benefits of standards and standardization.
A dedicated webpage will be set up for SMEST 2 where we will provide updated information as well as news on progress and events.
For further information on the SMEST 2 project please contact
Guido De Jongh at CEN-CENELEC.