ITU Committed to Connect the world
M e as uring an d
R e d u c i n g the
Standards Gap
Printed in Switzerland
Geneva, 2010
Photo credits:
©ITU, Shutterstock, Photodisc
04/2010
International Telecommunication Union
Telecommunication Standardization sector
Place des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 730 6082
Fax: +41 22 730 5853
E-mail: tsbspd@itu.int
www.itu.int
© ITU 2010
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by
any means whatsoever, without the prior written permission of ITU.
Telecommunication Standardization Sector of ITU
Bridging the Standardization Gap
ITU-T research project
Me a s u r i n g and
R e d u c i n g the
Standards Gap
Foreword
This report has benefitted from the support
of the Korea Communication Commission
(KCC) and the Telecommunication Technology
Association (TTA); with the principal contribution
by Dr. Laura DeNardis, Executive Director,
Yale Information Society Project and Lecturer
in Law at Yale Law School; and contributions
and comments by Arthur Levin of the ITU-T. The
opinions expressed in this report are those of its
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the
views of the International Telecommunication
Union or its membership.
The International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency in
the field of telecommunications and information
and communication technologies (ICTs). The
ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector
(ITU-T) is a permanent organ of ITU. ITU-T
is responsible for studying technical, operating
and tariff questions and issuing Recommendations on them with a view to standardizing
telecommunications on a worldwide basis.
Contents
Bridging the Standardization Gap Programme..................................................................................................................1
Programme Objectives...............................................................................................................................................................................3
History of the BSG Programme ..........................................................................................................................................................5
Current Project Phase ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Fiji Workshop .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
The Role of Standards in Developing Countries ............................................................................................................. 15
Effective Government Services ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Public Interest Effects............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Innovation Policy and National Competitiveness ........................................................................................................... 18
Global Access to Knowledge ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Consequences of Lack of Standards Participation ......................................................................................................... 19
Some Parameters for Assessing Standards Capability
y .................................................................................... 23
Qualitative and Quantitative Metrics ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Multifunctionality of Standardization ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Multistakeholder Nature of Standardization ....................................................................................................................... 25
Not Limited to International Standards .................................................................................................................................. 26
Not Limited to ITU Standards .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Scope Limited to ICT Standards ................................................................................................................................................... 26
The Tool for Assessing Standards Capability
y .................................................................................................................. 27
Standards Development Capacity................................................................................................................................................ 27
Standardization Human Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Government Standards Policy ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
National Standards Use and Adoption ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Additional Questions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Standardization Capability Index (SCI) .................................................................................................................................. 30
National Standards Assessment Case Studies ........................................................................................................... 31
China ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Czech Republic .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Lebanon............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Mali .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Mongolia.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Papua New Guinea..................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Thailand............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Zambia ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38
National Standards Capability Scale ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Level 1: Low Standards Capability.............................................................................................................................................. 42
Level 2: Basic Standards Capability .......................................................................................................................................... 42
Level 3: Intermediate Standards Capability....................................................................................................................... 43
Level 4: Advanced Standards Capability ............................................................................................................................... 44
Primary Standards Gaps in the Developing World .................................................................................................... 45
Lack of Understanding of the National Importance of Standards ................................................................... 45
Relatively Less Private Industry Involvement ................................................................................................................... 46
Inadequate Funding of Standardization ................................................................................................................................. 47
Insufficient Standardization Human Resources ............................................................................................................... 47
Insufficient Involvement in International Standards Development Processes .................................... 48
Inadequate Technical Infrastructure for Standards Participation .................................................................... 49
Best Practices for Maximizing National Standards Capability
y .................................................................. 51
National ICT Standards Strategy.................................................................................................................................................. 51
National Standards Advisory Council ........................................................................................................................................ 53
National Standards Body ..................................................................................................................................................................... 53
International Standards Participation....................................................................................................................................... 53
Regional Collaboration ........................................................................................................................................................................... 55
National Framework for Standards Adoption and Use .............................................................................................. 55
Standards Education Strategy ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
Recommended Priorities for ITU-T Action .............................................................................................................................................. 57
Annexes:
Tool for Assessing Standards Capability
Presentation of Report Findings and Conclusions
Bridging the
Standardization
Gap Program
The International Telecommunication
Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) remains at the
forefront of efforts to improve the
capacity of developing countries to
fully particip
participate in the development
and implementation of information
and commun
nication technology (ICT)
standards.
Inequality
in
national
standards capability continues to be a
contributive
e factor to the persistence
of the dig
gital divide between the
develop
ped and developing worlds
and to
o diminished opportunities
for
economic
development
and technological innovation.
ITU
U’s Constitution provides
tha
at ITU-T’s work should
alw
ways take into account
the
e concerns of developing
cou
untries. ITU has a longsta
anding
commitment
to
imp
proving opportunities for
deve
eloping
countries
to
devellop and implement ICT
standa
ards and is seeking to
identify
remaining
standard-
ization dis
sparities and recommend
actionable measures
m
that can help to
ameliorate these disparities. To this
end, ITU-T has embarked upon an
ambitious efffort called Bridging the
Standardizattion Gap (BSG) between
developing and
a
developed countries.
This
report
describes
a
recent
research project on BSG and related
activities.
1
2
Programme
Objectives
The overarching goal of the Bridging
the Standardization Gap programme
is to facilitate increased participation
of developing countries in standardization, to ensure that developing
countries experience the economic
benefits of associated technological
development, and to better reflect
the requirements and interests of
developing countries in the standardsdevelopment process. One specific
objective
of
this
project
is
to
understand the primary gaps that
must be overcome to improve
the standards development,
implementation, and usage
capacities
of
developing
countries.
This report will introduce
the ITU-T’s current research project on building
standards capacity in the
developing world; will present case studies of national
standards
capability;
will
identify the primary standards
gaps between developing and
developed
countries
based
on
these case studies; will recommend
what a national profile of standards
readiness would look like; and will
propose a set of indicators, best practices and actionable steps for improving national standards capacity
in the developing world. This report
encompasses work being done to
measure the standards gap and a
recent workshop on BSG, with the kind
support of the Korean administration.
3
4
PP
06
Antalya
6-24 November 2006
Historyof the
BSGprogramme
The Bridging the Standardization Gap
The WSIS Geneva Declaration of
programme is a continuation of ITU’s
Principles identified standardization as
historic mission and concern about
not only a fundamental architectural
the digital divide and development
component of the global information
information
and
society but as a precursor to the
communication
technologies.
The
diffusion of affordable and accessible
United
Nations
Millennium
Decla-
information and communication tech-
ration,
adopted
disparities
in
by
the
General
nologies in the developing world:
Assembly in 2000, recognized that
developing countries and countries
Standardization is one of the essential
with
en-
building blocks of the Information
counter particular challenges in the
economies
in
transition
Society. There should be particular
context of new forces of globalization.
emphasis on the development and
particularly
adoption of international standards.
pronounced in the area of ICTs, as
The development and use of open,
ITU-T has historically articulated and
interoperable, non-discriminatory and
These
challenges
are
addressed.
demand-driven standards that take
into account needs of users and
Reflecting this concern, the 2002
consumers is a basic element for the
Marrakesh Plenipotentiary Conference
development and greater diffusion
adopted resolution 123 calling for
of ICTs and more affordable access
the pursuit of initiatives that assist
to them, particularly in developing
in bridging the standardization gap
countries.
between developing and developed
aim to create an environment where
countries. The 17th Plenipotentiary
consumers can access services world-
Conference in Antalya in 2006 adopted
wide
a revised resolution 123 “Bridging
technology.
the
standardization
gap
International
regardless
of
standards
underlying
between
developing and developed countries.”
The ensuing Geneva Plan of Action
ITU’s concern about standardization
called upon governments, along with
and
other
the
developing
world
was
stakeholders,
raise
to
awareness
emphasize
consistent with issues elaborated in
and
about
the
the first and second phases of the
critical role of global interoperability
World Summit on the Information
standards in electronic commerce,
Society (WSIS), organized by the
eHealth, and scientific information
Union and held in Geneva, Switzerland
and to promote the development
in December 2003 and in Tunis,
and adoption of “open, interoperable,
Tunisia in November 2005.
non-discriminatory
and
demand-
5
6
driven standards.” The Tunis Agenda
plan also recommended measures
for the Information Society further
for
developing
countries
to
build
emphasized the criticality of technical
human
standardization, the important role
area of standardization. The action
of
organizations
capacity
in
the
in
plan additionally called for establish-
standards development and policies,
ment of a BSG Fund, based on
the
international
resource
for
opportunity
among
relevant
cooperation
institutions
in
voluntary contributions, to support
BSG activities.
standards development, and the role
of open standards in eGovernment
systems.
Resolution 56 of WTSA-08 furthermore
called
for
the
Standardization
(TSAG)
Progress at the World
Telecommunication
Standardization Assembly
(WTSA)
Telecommunication
Group
Advisory
Vice-chairmen,
appointed
on a regional basis, as well as study
group Vice-chairmen from developing
countries, to be tasked with specific
responsibilities designed to promote
greater participation of developing
Within the ongoing historical context
countries in ITU-T’s standardization
emphasizing the increasingly import-
work. These efforts include the mobi-
ant
and
lization of regional ITU members to
identifying disparities in standard-
role
of
standardization
actively participate in ITU standards
ization capability between developing
activities, the development of partici-
and developed Member States, ITU-T
pation reports to ITU about the
has pursued several initiatives to
region, and the development of a
improve standardization capability in
formal mobilization programme for
the
developing
world.
Telecommunication
The
World
the respective region.
Standardization
Assembly held in Florianópolis, Brazil,
ITU also convened the first inter-
in 2004 and in Johannesburg, South
national forum on “Bridging the ICT
Africa in 2008 adopted Resolution
standardization and developing gap
44, “Bridging the standardization gap
between developed and developing
between developing and developed
countries,”
countries.” Resolution 44, includes
October 2007. Hosted by the govern-
an action plan to help developing
ment
countries improve their standards-
brought together more than 160
development
and
implementation
capacity. The Resolution 44 action
of
in
Kigali,
Rwanda,
Rwanda
the
in
gathering
participants from 38 countries.
included the participation of 210
delegates from 39 ITU Member States
Another WTSA-08 Resolution (Res.
and addressed a wide range of issues
54) called for the creation of regional
related to bridging the standardization
groups.
gap.
ITU-T
invited
regions
to
identify study groups and to work
with relevant regional organizations.
There has also been an increased
ITU-T
effort to facilitate remote participation
committed
that
it
would
the
in ITU-T meetings. In 2008, more
meetings and provide “all necessary
than 100 remote meetings involving
support for creating and ensuring the
more than 700 participants were held
smooth functioning of the regional
using
groups.”
In
These efforts were initiated at the
Regional
Development
facilitate
the
organization
2008,
ITU
of
convened
Forums
to
remote
collaboration
tools.
December 2007 TSAG meeting.
discuss issues related to bridging the
standardization gap. These forums
were held in conjunction with the
Ladder of Standardization
Development
preparatory regional meetings for
WTSA-08 in the following locations:
The TSB secretariat created a “Ladder
of Standardization Development” to
depict how countries can engage in
●
Brasilia, Brazil
●
Accra, Ghana
●
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
●
Damascus, Syria
●
Hanoi, Vietnam.
different levels of participation in the
ITU-T standardization process. The
regional
forums
mentioned
above
included presentations and discussions
of this framework. The ladder depicts
eight rungs of standards involvement,
These regional gatherings attracted
with the lowest level of participation,
a large number of attendees and
Step 1, consisting of domestic usage
addressed a variety of topics ranging
of ITU-T recommendations. This level
from reducing sector membership
of standards involvement primarily
fees
for
small
and
mid-sized
involves use of ITU materials, such
enterprises in developing countries
as ITU-T Recommendations, meeting
to addressing specific standardization
documents,
issues in telemedicine, environmental
as a source of information. Step 2,
technologies,
cybersecurity,
and
“Capacity
and
other
Building,”
materials
involves
the
education. For example, the regional
existence of a base of technical
development forum in Accra, Ghana
experts
capable
of
implementing
7
ITU-T
Recommendations.
“Membership,”
Step
involves
3,
existence
of an increasing number of ITU-T
8
Sector
Members
and
Associates
between developed and developing
countries.
Other
included:
ICTs
to
of
limit
ladder
of
development
involves the participation of ITU-T
Sector
Members
and
Associates
and
themes
accessibility;
ICTs and climate change; the need
from developing countries. Step 4
the
strategic
collaboration
strengthen
duplication
of
standards-setting
effort
and
among
institutions;
and
improving coordination between the
from developing countries in ITU
private sector and governments in
meetings, study groups, and regional
standards development.
development
forums.
In
Step
5
of the ladder of development, the
The
Member State seeks to hold ITU
addressed
meetings
standardization gap issue and was
within
the
country
or
second
session
the
of
the
bridging
the
establishes or hosts regional groups
moderated
that spur participation in standards
Ronaldo Sardenberg, President of the
development. Achieving Step 6, “Mak-
National Telecommunications Agency
ing Written Contributions,” refers to
of Brazil (Anatel). The session included
by
H.E.
GSS
Ambassador
making written contributions to ITU-T
case studies of successful initiatives
standards work while Step 7, “Taking
to bridge the standardization gap. The
Leadership Positions” involves the
session reviewed the general status
nomination of representatives from
of developing country involvement in
developing countries as study group
a variety of standardization activities
chairs, vice-chairs, and rapporteurs.
and the role of regulators. For example,
The final rung of the ladder of
the session discussed how developing
standardization
sub-
countries’ domestic implementation
mission of proposals for future study
of ITU Recommendations and degree
questions
of
and
involves
work
the
programmes.
membership
in
the
ITU
still
Figure 7 later in this report provides
needs improvement. On the other
a graphical depiction of the ladder of
hand, developing country delegate
development for ICT standardization.
attendance and contributions at ITU-T
meetings have increased, most likely
Global Standards Symposium
due to ITU-T efforts to geographically
distribute
the
location
of
ITU-T
In 2008, ITU-T held an inaugural Global
seminars and workshops. The session
Standards Symposium (GSS) to deal
furthermore
with strategic issues in standardization
area of improvement related to large
including
the
standardization
gap
companies
identified
recognizing
a
potential
the
value
(b) providing training and producing
outcome of the BSG session of the
relevant training materials for capac-
GSS was an acknowledgement of the
ity building.” To meet these objec-
successful BSG work accomplished to
tives, ITU has made significant pro-
date but recognition as well that this
gress
must be an ongoing process leading
standardization between developed
in
defining
disparities
to concrete accomplishments.
and developing countries, gathering
One of the objectives set forth in ITU’s
statistics to more accurately measure
Strategic Plan for the Union 2008-2011
the
(Antalya 2006) is to “provide support
Recommendations and ITU activities
standardization
gap,
in
making
and assistance to the membership,
more accessible to participants in
mainly to developing countries, in
the developing world, and convening
relation to standardization matters,
regional
information and communication net-
make
work infrastructure and applications,
development
and in particular with respect to
accessible.
(a) bridging the digital divide; and
development
standards
forums
discussions
more
to
and
regionally
9
Current
Project
Phase
10
The objective of the current phase of
to elicit a self-assessment of standards
the Bridging the Standardization Gap
capacity from developing countries
project is to develop indicators and
for effectively developing, accessing,
present concrete recommendations
and deploying ICT standards. In the
and
improving
initial stage, the questionnaire was
standards capability in the developing
best
practices
for
distributed to a selected number of
world. The first part of this project
countries, chosen to reflect a diversity
involved the development of a matrix
of regional, linguistic, geographical,
of indicators with which to evaluate
economic, and technical criteria. The
national standards capability. These
TASC questionnaire was designed to
variables were collected into a ques-
supplement and extend a previous
tionnaire, called the Tool for Assessing
TSAG questionnaire which was more
Standards Capability (TASC), designed
narrowly tailored to ITU-specific stand-
11
ardization involvement. This research
This project is part of an overall effort
project analyzed the questionnaires,
to measure and analyze the standards
as well as other material, to identify
gap and organize workshops to assist
the
standards
developing countries, funded through
capacity in the developing world and
primary
gaps
in
a generous contribution from the
to develop a set of indicators, case
Korean administration. As part of the
studies and categories of standards
project, the questionnaire is being
readiness. This report presents the
used to gather data and material to
methodology, indicators, case studies
develop a statistical profile of the
and results of this phase of the
standards capability of all developing
research project, identifies tangible
countries.
gaps in standards capacity in the
(SCI) will further help countries to
developing
world,
presents
This
statistical
profile
four
understand their standards needs
national profiles of standards readi-
and to set priorities for actions to
ness, and recommends best practices
improve their capabilities. In addition
and
the
to organizing a workshop on BSG,
resources, knowledge, policies, and
this activity contemplates providing
institutional activities that can bridge
consulting and assistance to individual
the
model
approaches
standardization
gap
for
between
developed and developing countries.
countries.
Fijiworkshop
12
The results of the above project
two-day CTO session was thematically
and activities were presented at the
well
coordinated
the
with
the
Standardization
ITU’s
ITU-T ”Forum on Implementation of
Bridging
WTSA-08 Decisions and Workshop on
topic and included panel discussions
Gap
Bridging the Standardization Gap”,
on government policies on broadband,
which took place in Nadi, Fiji on 16-17
bridging the broadband gap in the Fiji
September 2009. At the invitation of
Islands, the importance of affordable
the Government of Fiji, ITU-T organized
Internet
the event in association with the
markets, and the transition from
Commonwealth Telecommunications
IPv4 to IPv6. Participants in the Fiji
The
in
emerging
two-day
Workshop were primarily from the
ITU workshop was preceded by the
Asia-Pacific region but also travelled
7th Annual Forum of the CTO, which
as far as Africa, Europe, and the
took place on 14-15 September at
United States to attend.
Organization
(CTO).
connectivity
the same venue, the Sheraton, Fiji
Hotel, Denarau Island in Nadi, Fiji.
The objectives of the ITU-T Workshop
The theme of the CTO event was
in Fiji were threefold: 1) to review the
“Delivering Broadband Connectivity
Asia-Pacific experience in WTSA-08
for All: Needs and Challenges.” The
and to consider the activities put in
place to implement those Resolutions
of equipment and services to ITU-T
of particular interest to the region;
standards. Another session addressed
2) to discuss and recommend actions
acute standards issues such as ICTs
to bridge the standardization gap
and climate change, standards and
in the Asia-Pacific region and 3) to
next generation networks, and the
address key emerging topics in ITU-T
issue of number highjacking.
standards work. Malcolm Johnson, the
Standardization
The ITU-T’s Bridging the Standard-
Bureau (TSB) Director, gave opening
ization Gap initiative was the third, and
remarks along with Dr. Ekwow Spio
perhaps most prominent theme of the
Telecommunication
Garbrah, the CEO of the CTO and the
workshop. One BSG session brought
Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the
together
experts
and
practitioners
Minister of Industry, Trade, Tourism
from Papua New Guinea, Thailand,
and Communications for Fiji. Part of
Korea, Vietnam, the United States,
the workshop presented an overview
and elsewhere to make the case for
of
how developing countries can benefit
the
main
WTSA-08
results,
reviewing the WTSA-08 outcomes in
from increased standards capability
relation to the interests of developing
and
countries and specifically to countries
contexts
in the Asia-Pacific region. Arthur Levin,
the national standards readiness of
to
present
and
country
efforts
countries.
to
This
specific
improve
session
the Head of the Standardization Policy
developing
Division, moderated the main session
examined the public policy implications
on WTSA-08 outcomes. The session
of information and communication
particularly
technology standards; addressed the
examined
Asia-Pacific
input to WTSA-08, how the region
consequences of lack of standards
fared in WTSA-08 outcomes, and how
participation to developing countries;
these questions are linked to the next
and described how the ITU’s Bridging
Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-10).
the Standardization Gap project is
addressing these issues. Among topics
Another section of the Fiji work-
addressed were how TTA, the Korean
shop
in
ICT standardization organization, has
standardization. One session address-
addressed
been providing a consultation program-
ed emerging conformance assessment
me to developing countries to help
and interoperability issues, exam-
ameliorate the standards gap; other
results
of
topics”
Global
specific work being done in Asia-Pacific
Standardization Symposium as well as
regions to improve developing country
ining
the
“hot
the
the concerns of countries in the Asia-
involvement in standardization activ-
Pacific region related to conformance
ities; and open issues on BSG that need
13
to be solved by ITU and developed
from which to evaluate national stand-
countries.
ards readiness in the developing world.
Another BSG session, “Measuring and
the information that is described in
The session also discussed some of
14
Reducing the Standardization Gap”
later sections of this report, including
provided
case studies of national standards
expert,
concrete
advice
to developing countries on how to
capacity,
improve their standards readiness.
the seven primary standardization
research
findings
about
The session described in detail the ITU-
gaps in the developing world, and
T’s BSG project, its standardization
best practices for national standards
development ladder, and specific efforts
capacity. Discussions at the workshop
participation,
also provided feedback on the TASC
to
increase
capacity,
and collaboration in standardization.
questionnaire used to gather material
It also included a presentation by
presented in this report and resulted
Professor Shin-Won Kang of Sunchon
in the development of a revised
Nat’l University on the Standardization
questionnaire with fewer questions and
Capacity Measurement Model for creat-
with a greater emphasis on numerical
ing a standardization capacity index
rather than descriptive evaluation.
The Role
of
Standards
in Developing
Countries
Standards have a central technical
essary
objective
pragmatic
connectivity within global information
decisions that enable compatibility
infrastructures. They are also tools
between telecommunications infra-
with significant public policy and
structures, network equipment, data
economic
formats,
interfaces.
from accessing, adopting, or develop-
Because of the highly specialized
ing standards can heighten economic
and technical nature of standards,
inequalities in the context of ongoing
this area is sometimes viewed as
information globalization. The follow-
purely technical. The Bridging the
ing sections describe ways in which
Standardization Gap initiative recog-
standards participation, or barriers
nizes that ICT standards are not
to participation, can have significant
only the technical blueprints nec-
implications for developing countries.
of
and
making
software
for
interoperability
consequences.
and
Exclusion
Effective
Government
Services
The use of ICT standards can improve
citizens
the effective functioning of government
During
in several ways. First, the adoption
ability of government agencies, first
of
high-quality
standards
within
and
interoperable
government
ICT
in
a
a
variety
disaster
of
areas.
response,
the
responders, and private entities to
communicate
infrastructures can increase the effi-
technologies
ciency of government. These effi-
effective,
using
is
a
interoperable
prerequisite
multistakeholder
to
coord-
ciencies arise from improvements in
ination. National security is an area
interoperability among government
of public services in which technical
agencies, increases in the reliability
standards play an increasing role
of government information exchange
and the standardized use of security
and communications, and by reduc-
protocols is a key element of national
tions in operating costs. Use of ICT
cybersecurity policies for protecting
standards
information networks and providing
can
similarly
improve
the ability of governments to serve
critical
infrastructure
protection.
15
Governments
16
also
provide
public
ards
enable
a
wide
range
of
information to citizens, increasingly
e-Government services to citizens,
through digital archives. Standard
ranging from functions like motor
interfaces and data formats are a
vehicle registration to more complex
prerequisite of this type of infor-
areas such as electronic voting.
mation provisioning. Finally, stand-
Public
Interest
Effects
Standards
design
decisions
have
individual privacy, and the security
direct public policy implications in
of
areas ranging from individual pri-
example of ICT standards creating de
financial
transactions.
Another
vacy, public safety, environmental
facto public policy is in the emerging
issues and access to knowledge. For
area of eHealth. Electronic health
example, the design of encryption
systems and repositories have the
standards is a vital area of public policy
potential to improve access to medical
that intersects with national security,
services and health informatics in
recordation.
As
vital
systems
of
these standardized electronic medical
health,
records can determine the degree
journalism,
of
increasingly exercised online, the ICT
interoperability
systems,
the
among
quality
medical
controls
in
education,
standards
and
that
entertainment,
commerce
underlie
are
these
these systems, and the security,
technologies will increasingly affect
privacy, and accessibility of eHealth
the public interest in these areas.
17
Innovation National
Policy and Competitiveness
From an economic standpoint, access
developing countries with the oppor-
to ICT standards is a critical factor
tunity to become more competitive
in
18
a
country’s
economic
innovation
competitiveness,
policy,
and
with
other
nations
in
technology
product markets and can provide
global trade. The ability to access and
entrepreneurial opportunities for a
implement standards in ICT products
nation’s
technology
companies
to
is directly relevant to the ability of
engage in product development based
businesses to compete globally and
on universal standards. Conversely, if
develop products that are compatible
standards are not available, or if use
with a competitor’s products. This is
of standards requires high royalty
because ICT standards can provide
payments,
a
have a diminished chance of becoming
common
platform
from
which
emerging
in
markets
global
will
innovation can proceed and a level
competitive
playing field on which competition
markets. Standards accordingly play
technology
can occur and through which the
a significant role in the facilitation of
risk of experimentation is lowered.
global trade or, if proprietary, may
ICT standards can therefore provide
lead to technical barriers to trade.
Global
Access
to Knowledge
Finally, the interoperability afforded
society. This type of access provides
by standards enables new forms of
new avenues for citizens in developing
knowledge exchange. Interoperability,
countries to access emerging forms
achieved through agreed upon ICT
of digital education, medical and
standards, enables information shar-
health diagnostic information, and to
ing within governments, between gov-
participate more actively in cultural
ernments and citizens, and more
and political life.
ubiquitously, in the global information
Consequences
of Lack
of Standards
Participation
lace, which has significant public
technical standardization is not only
interest implications. Lack of parti-
an issue of technical interoperability
cipation in any of these aspects of
and efficiency but an area, though
standardization carries consequences
often invisible to the general popu-
to developing countries.
“Participation in standards” can take many forms:
•
Developing standards – Private and public entities within a country can become involved in the actual
development process of technical standards, either nationally, regionally, or internationally.
•
Influencing the Design of Standards – Private and public entities within a country can influence the design
of standards by determining which standards are needed and what objectives they must meet.
•
Adopting Standards in Products and Services – Private enterprises or public research institutions can
choose to adopt universal standards in the equipment and services they develop.
•
Using Products Based on Standards – Private and public entities within a country can choose to purchase
products based on certain criteria of standards embedded within these products.
•
Regulating Standards or Developing Standards Policies – Governments can establish procurement policies
about what technological standards they will use in government ICT infrastructures; they can develop
national standards strategies; they can establish laws and policies about various aspects of standardization.
•
Providing Standards Education – A nation’s educational institutions, private industry, standards institutions,
and government agencies can try to build human resources capacity and expertise by providing standards
education.
Lack of participation in any of these
be both economic and public safety
aspects of standardization can carry
consequences of using coexisting but
consequences, generally negative, to
distinct standards. Lack of access
developing countries, as described in
to
the following sections.
standards can create problems such
or
adoption
of
effective
ICT
as inhibiting public services or com-
Impeding Public Services
promising
critical
infrastructures.
Lack of interoperability between first
Problems with standards can create
responder
social or economic harm or con-
can impede services during a natural
technical
infrastructures
tribute to a loss of faith in gov-
disaster. For example, during rescue
ernment. For example, there can
and victim identification efforts in
19
20
the aftermath of the 2004 Southeast
There are many potential reasons for
Asian tsunami, there were reports
exclusion from standards development
that various Thai agencies and other
processes. Developing countries may
responding institutions were unable
be late entrants into standards-setting
to exchange documents because of
processes. Some countries may have
incompatible proprietary document
inadequate technical infrastructures
formats. The ICT standards under-
for reliable access to standards and
lying digital archives can also be
electronic participation in standards
problematic if the formats and network
development. Countries may not have
protocols necessary to access these
the funding necessary to participate
with
in standards development, including
technologies used by the public or
the funding for travel to meetings and
documents
are
incompatible
if they rely on proprietary standards
conferences.
that may become inaccessible or
may
incompatible in the future. Use of
participation if they do not have
products
standards
an adequate number of standards
vulnerable to critical infrastructure
experts. Countries not involved in
attacks or network security attacks
standards development for any of
can disrupt the functioning of public
these
services, disrupt public utilities or
design choices and associated policy
financial networks, or compromise
consequences of dominant standards
individual or national security.
without
Exclusion from Policy Making
lead to more costly products not well-
with
technical
have
Developing
knowledge
reasons
must
necessarily
countries
barriers
accept
having
to
the
given
input into these choices. This may
suited to domestic use.
Lack of participation in standards
development can sometimes result
in
As
exclusion
mentioned
from
policy
above,
Innovation Barriers
making.
the
design
In the developing world, the production
decisions made in the development of
of
innovative
products
ICT standards can have implications
ICT standards holds the potential to
for a variety of public policy areas.
create new economic opportunities.
Standards
directly influence or contribute to
can include: lack of access to ICT
development
processes,
these countries’ interests are not
directly
choices.
reflected
in
these
policy
to
on
When developing countries do not
standards
barriers
based
innovation
standards; inadequate research and
development
capacity;
insufficient
standards education capacity; lack of
human resources and expertise; or
governments
are
accountable
to
for standards adoption. If developing
citizens to spend limited resources
countries face any of these barriers,
efficiently and wisely, lack of ICT
emerging businesses and research
standards in government information
institutions will not have the maximum
networks can result in inefficient and
opportunity
costly technology infrastructures.
to
develop
innovative
products based on standards and
products they do develop may not
borders.
Global Trade Barriers and
Global Knowledge Barriers
Economic Inefficiency
In the context of ICT globalization,
be marketable outside their domestic
technical
Interoperability
problems
resulting
interoperability
is
the
precursor to economic interoperability.
from the lack of adoption of universal
The World Trade Organization’s Agree-
standards or the use of incompatible
ment on Technical Barriers to Trade
standards can drive up the cost of day-
(TBT) asserts that standards should
to-day business, government, and
not create unnecessary obstacles to
consumer activities. For example, lack
trade. Relatively closed standards can
of standards for health information
serve as alternative trade barriers,
systems and networks can increase
in contrast to open standards which
the cost of delivering healthcare by
have tended to promote competition
requiring the same information to
and free trade. In the global know-
be captured multiple times and by
ledge
precluding the sharing of patient
to use universal ICT standards can
data among hospitals, primary care
be impeded from tapping into global
doctors,
pharmacists,
and
other
health care providers. Similarly, lack
economy,
exchange
countries
markets
with
failing
trading
partners. Lack of technical inter-
of adoption of compatible ICT stand-
operability or information access in
ards among government agencies
the developing world can also cut
not only impedes the flow of vital
off citizens from emerging forms of
information
necessary
to
perform
digital education, medical and health
government functions but also signi-
diagnostic information, participation
ficantly raises the cost of providing
in digital cultural life, and participation
these government functions. While
in global political spheres.
21
22
22
Some
Parametersfor
Assessing
Standards
Capability
country,
this
phase
of
the
BSG
standardization participation - and
project developed a questionnaire
lack of participation – demonstrate
designed to be a self-assessment
the critical need for bridging the
rather than an external description of
standardization gap between devel-
each country’s standards landscape.
oping and developed countries. The
To capture the significant effects
national standards assessment con-
of standards on countries, whether
ducted as part of this project was
developed or developing countries,
designed to identify and measure
the questionnaire took into account
the gaps that exist. Because of the
the following complex characteristics
unique demographic, economic, and
of national standards involvement.
technical circumstances within each
Qualitative
and Quantitative
Metrics
The
questionnaire
solicited
both
respondents.
The
questionnaire
quantitative and qualitative indica-
replies were used to develop the
tors of standards capacity. The ques-
case studies and national profiles of
tionnaire was also designed to elicit
standards readiness presented later
more
qualitative
descriptions
of
standards readiness from each of the
in this report and will also be used to
develop a national capability index.
23
Multifunctionality
of Standardization
24
National involvement in standard-
global technology markets. At another
ization takes many forms. At the
level, representatives of developing
simplest level, a developing country
countries can become involved in
can choose to use ICT products and
the development of standards region-
services based on compliance with
ally or globally. The questions sought
international standards. At another
to capture all of the potential gaps
level, private enterprises within devel-
that can exist in the ability of repre-
oping countries can access standards
sentatives of developing countries
with the intent to implement them
to:
in products to sell nationally or into
•
Procure ICT Technologies Based on Standards
•
Access Actual ICT Standards
•
Adopt/Implement ICT Standards in National Technology Development
•
Influence the Development of Standards
•
Directly Contribute to Standards Development
•
Provide Standards Education and Training
•
Propose Standards
•
Lead Standards Development
•
Regulate Standards or Establish National Standards Policies
•
Participate effectively in ITU and other standards development organizations.
Multistakeholder
Nature
of Standardization
and standards adoption. The quesare many stakeholders in ICT stand-
tionnaire measures indicators in each
ardization. Governments in devel-
of these areas. The questionnaire
oping
also seeks information about the
countries
typically
play
a
significant role in many aspects of
gaps and opportunities among stake-
standardization including: regulation
holders
and policy formulation; education;
The questionnaire, to some degree,
standards-setting
solicited
processes,
such
as ITU; standards implementation;
outside
of
information
following stakeholders:
●
National Government
●
Private Enterprises
●
Academia
●
Standards Institutions
●
Regional Government Bodies
government.
about
the
25
Not Limited to
International
26
Standards
The
questions
assumed
that regional and national
standardization
issues
exist alongside international
standardization. This is particularly the case for standards
related
to
national
security and other uses of
information and communication technologies that are
perhaps unique to an individual country or region.
Not Limited to
ITU
Standards
There are many standardssetting institutions involved
in various aspects of ICT
standardization. ITU works
with many of these institutions. While the focus of the
BSG project is primarily on
the capacity to participate
in ITU processes, the questionnaire generally solicited
information about national
readiness in development,
adoption, and regulation of
all ICT standards.
Scope Limited
to ICT
Standards
The scope of the questions
and of the BSG project,
more generally, was limited
to information and communication technology standards. Other types of standards-setting activities and
standards adoption and use
beyond the scope of ICTs
were not addressed.
TheToolfor
Assessing
Standards
(TASC)
Capability
The Tool for Assessing Standards
standardization
Capability was a questionnaire de-
government standards policy, and
signed
to
facilitate
resources,
self-
national standards use and adoption,
assessments of current standards
and reflected the parameters de-
participation
The
scribed in the preceding section. The
questionnaire was divided into the
following describes the questions in
following
standards
and
national
human
four
readiness.
broad
development
categories:
each of these categories.
capacity,
Standards
Development
Capacity
The first of the four sections of the
TASC
questionnaire
assesses
the
and regional activities and including
ITU
and
other
This
standards-setting
extent of a country’s involvement
bodies.
first
in standards-setting processes and
questionnaire
development, including international
following seven questions.
is
section
divided
of
the
into
the
1.
Existence of a national ICT standards body and/or standardization committee
2.
Participation in international ICT standards development processes
3.
Participation in regional ICT standards development processes
4.
Private industry involvement in ICT standards development
5.
Adequacy of technical infrastructure to participate in ICT standards development
6.
Number of Domestic Standards in Past Year
7.
Number of Patent Applications Filed in Past Year
8.
Number of ICT R&D Institutions in Country
27
Standards
Human
Resources
28
The second of the four sections of
It also assesses national standards
the TASC questionnaire assesses the
educational capacity such as whether
extent of a country’s standardization
there are formal or informal standards
human resources such as the number
education courses, conferences, and
of standards experts in the country
electronic
and
section is divided into the following
the
number
of
individuals
engaged in standards development.
1.
training
materials.
This
eight questions.
ICT standards courses and curricula in higher education (e.g. engineering courses),
either in the country or region
2.
Availability of government-sponsored ICT standards training
3.
Other ICT standards body training held in country in past year
4.
ICT standards conferences held in country in past year
5.
Access to electronic training courses and materials
6.
Estimated number of individuals engaged in domestic standardization organizations
7.
Estimated number of standard experts in the country
8.
Estimated number of standards experts in the country from the business/private
sector.
Government
Standards
Policy
Government standards policy ques-
on standards, and the nation’s funding
tions seek to examine the organiz-
of
ational framework and government
section is divided into the following
personnel involved in standards, the
six questions.
standardization
activities.
This
nation’s laws, procedures and strategy
1.
Existence of national procedures for enacting standards
2.
Existence of a national ICT standards agency, department, or advisory council
3.
Existence of a national ICT standards strategy
4.
Government laws, regulations, and policies on ICT standards
5.
Existence of government guidelines on the country’s standards development
6.
Government funding and investment in ICT standardization
National
Standards Use
and Adoption
The fourth section of the questionnaire
share of information and commu-
solicits information about the use
nication
and adoption of standards within the
produces
country. This includes government
standards is increasing, as opposed
policies on the use of standards in
to decreasing. This section is divided
government ICT infrastructures, and
into the following four questions.
technology
based
on
products
it
international
whether the country’s global market
1.
2.
Government interoperability framework or ICT standards procurement policy
Adequacy of technical infrastructure for accessing standards among those involved in
implementing standards
3.
National use of ITU Recommendations, either in product procurement or product development
4.
Increasing development of technology products and market share based on international ICT
standards
Additional
Questions
The questionnaire concludes with four
agencies)
final questions of a more qualitative
development and adoption and to
nature
designed
country’s
key
to
identify
stakeholders
involved
in
standards
the
solicit suggestions for how private
(e.g.
industry, standards institutions, and
private companies, standards insti-
government
tutions, government authorities and
improve national standards capability.
entities
could
help
1.
Stakeholders. Who are the key standards stakeholders in your country?
2.
Opportunities for Private Industry. What could private industry do to improve national standards
capability?
3.
Opportunities for International Standards Bodies. What could international standards-setting
institutions do to better facilitate your nation’s international standards participation?
4.
Opportunities for Government. What could the national government do to improve national
standards capability?
29
Standardization
Capability
Index (SCI)
30
As part of the KCC (Korea Com-
a standardization gap measurement
munication Commission)-ITU-T join
index, based on hard data, and
project aimed at bridging the stand-
thus identifies developing countries’
ardization gap, the set of indicators
standardization
was developed to measure the stand-
The standardization capability index
ardization capability of developing
will help define practical improvement
countries. These include indicators in
measures
legal systems, policies, systems, R&D,
suggest priority areas for each country
human
resources,
activities,
and
and
be
can
ICT
used
standardization
infrastructure,
to
develop
a
for
status
and
developing
levels.
nations,
to improve standards readiness and
therefore
assist
in
bridging
their
standardization gap.
standardization capability index. The
TASC questionnaire responses and
The SCI is a statistical figure that shows
other data will eventually be used to
a country’s standardization capability
develop the SCI.
in the most brief and distinctive
way; it will enable one to identify
The
SCI
aims
to
identify
and
a country’s overall standardization
measure the standardization capa-
capability, and to forecast its stand-
bility of developing countries, and
ardization capability trends, as well
their
as to compare the country with other
standardization capability and bridge
countries; as such, it will be a very
the standardization gap. It will offer
useful tool that a government can
thus
the
to
efficiently
following
bolster
anticipated
effects.
use
when
formulating
a
national
To identify the standardization gap
policy and strategy for bridging the
of developing countries and help
standardization gap.
bridge the gap, the study develops
National
Standards
Assessent
Case Studies
The TASC questionnaire was sent to a
China,
select set of ITU Member States in the
Mali, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea,
Czech
Republic,
Lebanon,
developing world. Because the BSG
Thailand, and Zambia. This section
workshop took place in Asia, some
summarizes
some
of
the
unique
emphasis was placed on Member
standards contexts in each of these
States in that region. Eventually, the
countries and presents some results
TASC questionnaire will be sent to all
of the country self-assessments of
developing country Member States.
standards readiness. The case studies
are based upon responses to the TASC
The ITU-T received helpful responses
questionnaire but do not necessarily
from six Member States that had
represent the official positions of the
been sent the TASC questionnaire:
government of each country.
Figure 1: Countries Responding to the ITU-T TASC Questionnaire
Mon gol ia
Mongol
C zech
Czech
Chin a
China
L ebanon
eban on
Mal
M
a lii
Thail an
and
d
Zambia
Pa pu
Pap
ua
New Gu
G u in ea
ea
31
Standards Association (CCSA) was
China
established in 2002 and includes
corporations, universities, and other
32
The Standardization Administration
institutions within its membership. This
of China (SAC) is the standards
association conducts standardization
organization, authorized by the State
activities under the guidance of the
Council of China, responsible for the
Ministry of Information Industry and
management, oversight, and overall
other authorities. It describes its
coordination
activities as follows:
of
standardization
in
China. The China Communications
•
Promulgate laws, regulations and policies on standardization
•
Propose standards R&D projects; conduct compliance testing and interoperability testing
•
Promote standards implementation through consultation/training
•
Domestic and international exchange cooperation in ICT standards
•
Undertake work related to standardization commissioned by the authority, members of
CCSA or other organizations.
China has thousands of individuals
other
directly involved in standards devel-
has few standards courses in higher
opment.
come
These
from
standards
country
respondents,
China
experts
education but has some government
industry,
research
ICT standards training. There are
government
agencies,
many standards conferences held in
and academic institution. They work
China, including ITU meetings and
on standards development processes
workshops. The CCSA also provides
within
electronic training materials on a
institutions,
the
Organization
ITU,
for
the
International
Standardization
variety of standardization topics.
(ISO), the Institute of Electronics
and Electrical Engineers (IEEE), the
According
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF),
on standardization reflected in its
to
the
self-assessment
the World Wide Web Consortium
response to the TASC questionnaire,
(W3C), and other standards-setting
the strengths of China’s standard-
bodies. They are also involved in
ization capacity include: a strong
regional and national ICT standards
national standards body; thousands
development
processes.
Like
the
of
standards
experts;
significant
for international organizations like
standards
development;
multi-
the ITU to encourage greater devel-
stakeholder participation from gov-
oping
ernment,
industry
and
academia;
standards
extensive
regional
ICT
standards
and
development;
national
laws
country
involvement
development
providing
education,
meetings
in
(such
holding
developing
in
as
ITU
countries,
and a national standards strategy.
engaging experts from developing
Some challenges and opportunities
countries to participate in the ITU);
self-assessment
and the possibility of the government
include: the need for further involve-
in
establishing more national standards
ment of private industry in standards
policies
reflected
the
and
development
adoption
and
greater coordination between private
and
funds
increasing
to
support standards development and
adoption.
industry and government; a need
The
Czech
Czech
Office
for
Standards,
Metrology and Testing (COSMT) is the
country’s national standards agency,
Numerous standards professionals in
established by law in 1993 under
the Czech Republic participate in ITU
the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
activities as well as in other standards
This office has broad responsibility
bodies such as the International Or-
for
ganization for Standardization (ISO)
distributing
and the Institute of Electrical and
COSMT cooperates with international
Electronics
and
Czech
Engineers
(IEEE).
The
Office
Telecommunication
publishing,
developing,
Czech
European
organizations,
and
standards.
The
standards-setting
develops
Czech
(CTO), formally established by the
national standards, and guides and
2005 Electronic Communication Act,
coordinates activities within Czech
is the state administrative agen-
national technical committees. The
cy
electrotechnical standards section of
responsible
lation,
for
resolution
communication
market
of
regu-
disputes
markets,
in
adminis-
this office is one of seven standardssetting areas.
tration of radio spectrum, and a
number
tivities.
of
other
regulatory
ac-
According
to
the
self-assessment
on standardization reflected in its
33
34
reply to the TASC questionnaire, the
and regular use and adoption of ITU
strengths of Czech standardization
Recommendations and reports. Some
capacity
significant
opportunities identified in the self-
1300)
of
assessment include: the need for
standards experts in the country;
greater guidance from international
the existence of effective laws on
standards-setting
ICT
standards development and greater
include:
by
a
(approximately
number
standards
the
regulations
Czech
applied
Telecommunication
private
institutions
industry
Office; the existence of a national
participation
ICT standards agency (the COSMT);
opment.
investment
in
standards
on
and
devel-
for approving international standards
Lebanon
as national standards. According to
the questionnaire results, there are
In Lebanon, Libnor is the state-owned
approximately 120 standards experts
standardization agency responsible
engaged in committees to study and
for recommending Lebanese stand-
approve domestic standards. Many of
ards in all fields including infor-
the standards experts in the country
mation and communication stand-
are academics from universities and
ards.
research institutions.
The
Telecom
Regulatory
Authority (TRA) is responsible for
recommending
standards
to
telecommunications
and
equipment.
In
related
services
many
cases,
these institutions take international
According
to
assessment
of
Lebanon’s
standards
selfcapacity
as indicated in its reply to the TASC
questionnaire,
some
strengths
standards and make recommendations
Lebanon’s
(not mandatory) for national use of
include a strong infrastructure for
standards. TRA adopts many ITU-T
education about standards, including
standards and recommends these
standards
standards
education courses; strong participation
domestically.
A
small
and
standards
of
components
adoption
of
infrastructure
of
higher
international
number of standards experts are
in
involved in international standards
telecommunication
development in many international
national standards agencies with well-
standards;
and
ISO,
defined responsibilities. The Lebanese
IEEE, IETF W3C and others. Sector-
response to the questionnaire also
oriented committees made up of
included a number of specific recom-
institutions
including
ITU,
and
mendations for improving national
private institutions are responsible
standards capacity, most of which
individuals
from
both
public
federal government. There is a need
applicable more universally to improve
for
more
government
funding
of
For
standardization and also a need for
example, there is a need for greater
an overall assessment of the national
awareness of the national importance
standards landscape.
national
standards
capacity.
of standards, particularly within the
strengths of Mali’s standardization
Mali
capacity include: the existence of a
national ICT agency; the availability of
The
Committee
cations
on
Regulation
Telecommuni(CRT)
governs
some standards information in higher
education; and access to electronic
and
training courses and materials such
reports to the Minister of Telecommu-
as through the ITU. Some challenges
telecommunications
in
Mali
other
and opportunities indicated in the
countries, there are relatively few
self-assessment include: there is no
standards experts in Mali. Standards
well-defined national standards body;
nications.
Compared
to
Study
there are tremendous opportunities
private
for greater private industry involve-
industry” involvement in standards
ment in ICT standardization activ-
experts
participate
in
Groups
but
is
development
there
and
no
ITU
“no
government
funding of standardization. According
to
the
self-assessment
on
standardization reflected in its reply
to
the
TASC
questionnaire,
ities;
there
are
opportunities
for
government training and funding and
international standards body training
to develop standards expertise.
the
Mongolia
is the government regulatory agency
which
coordinates
and
manages
standardization in the country. This
In Mongolia, ICT standards policy
agency reports to the Deputy Prime
and strategy is developed by the
Minister’s office. The MASM has a
“Information, Communications, Tech-
Council comprised of research scien-
nology and Post Authority (ICTPA) of
tists,
Mongolia. The Mongolian Agency for
academics, and government officials.
Standardization and Metrology (MASM)
The
industry
MASM
practitioners,
describes
its
NGOs,
mission
35
36
as follows: “The aim of MASM in
entities and organizations involved in
standardization is to contribute to
standardization. The law states that
the development of the Mongolian
the “purpose of standardization is to
society, economy, industry and trade
protect public interest, human health,
by establishing standards on the basis
the environment and security of the
of mutual understanding and voluntary
nation and enhance the compatibility
agreement
of products.”
between
parties
in
governmental authorities, industry and
business, with regard to consumers’
According to the self-assessment on
rights, and in continuously developing
standardization reflected in its reply
standardization activities aligned to
to
the
agency,
strengths of Mongolian standardization
departments,
capacity include: a strong national
market
which
system.”
includes
five
This
two offices, 120 staff members, and
the
TASC
standards
questionnaire,
body;
strong
the
private
local centers for standardization in
industry
21 provinces, has many functions
development; an increasing number
involvement
in
standards
related to standardization including
of national standards, usually based
international cooperation with inter-
on international standards; and the
national
Mongolian
standards
organizations
and representing Mongolia in these
law
on
Standardization
and Conformity Assessment. Some
institutions. The agency also approves
challenges and opportunities reflected
and publishes all Mongolian standards,
in
performs
inadequate technical infrastructure for
some
certification,
and
provides training and consulting.
the
include:
self-assessment
broader public involvement; lack of
extensive educational opportunities in
The Mongolian law on “Standardization
standardization; a need for international
and Conformity Assessment,” adopted
standards bodies to increase standards
in 2003, defines legal grounds for
training
standardization and conformity assess-
government funding of ICT standards
ment and regulates relations between
development and processing.
the
government,
citizens,
and
seminars;
and
more
business
the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The
Papua New Guinea
digital divide is a significant issue for
Papua New Guinea, where ICTs have
Papua
New
Guinea
(PNG),
with
a population of almost 6 million
not yet been adequately harnessed
for social and economic benefit. The
of
standardization gap in PNG is both a
indigenous languages, is located in
cause and a manifestation of the wider
people
speaking
hundreds
coordination and representation of
both geographical and demographic
dialogue in international technical
challenges. Limitations in standards
forums/meetings
capacity in PNG contribute to the
PANGTEL and the government of
on
behalf
of
digital divide, decrease opportunities
Papua New Guinea (PNG).”
for individuals to develop technology
skills, decrease technology transfer
The National Institute of Standards
opportunities, and complicate migra-
and Industrial Technology (NISIT)
tion from legacy to newer technologies.
is also a National Standards Body
overseeing all standardization and
The
Papua
New
Guinea
Radio-
communications and Telecommunica-
conformance activities in Papua New
NISIT
Guinea.
functions
include
tions Technical Authority (PANGTEL) is
standard development and publica-
a government institution, established
tion,
standards
dissemination,
Telecommunications
professional training programmes on
Act of 1996, as the regulator and
standardization and quality assurance,
licensing authority overseeing tele-
and other related functions.
by
the
PNG
communications and radio communications, including television and
services.
broadcasting
PANGTEL’s
agency
other
Among
Some challenges and opportunities
functions,
the
include
policies
for
domestic
develops
in
reflected
the
its
self-assessment
need
standards
to
strengthen
institutions;
technical standards. The standards
the promotion of the use of TIES
branch of PANGTEL is responsible
to
for the “development, review and
of
maintenance
regulatory
standards
technical
policies,
in
and
access
more
ITU
active
(Asia-Pacific
recommendations;
in
APT
Telecommunity);
participation
the
plans
and
need for wider industry participation
collaboration
with
in
standardization
and
greater
industry, the Independent Consumer
coordination between PANGTEL and
and Competition Commission (ICCC),
NISIT; the need for legislation that
National
Standards
promotes the growth of ICT markets
and Industrial Technology (NISIT),
Institute
of
and industry in PNG; and the need to
other relevant government bodies,
bring key issues to APT preparatory
and
relevant
meetings.
The
Department
international
also
bodies.
heads
the
37
organizations. Thailand has created
Thailand
TRIDI, the Telecommunication Research and Industry Development
38
In Thailand, the National Telecomm-
Institute from part of operator license
unications Commission (NTC), in close
fees. This provides some funding for
association with the Thai Industrial
researchers, including those involved
Standards Institute (TISI), develops
in
and
scholarships for students.
promulgates
any
mandatory
standardization
activities,
and
telecommunication standards in the
country. The NTC was established by
According to its reply to the TASC
Royal proclamation in 2004 to serve
questionnaire,
as
ardization system is still relatively
Thailand’s
telecommunication
Thailand’s
Thailand
stand-
regulatory agency. TISI is Thailand’s
nascent.
national agency for standardization.
ITU-T recommendations, has national
The agency develops national stand-
standards agencies in information
ards in the country and works with
technology and telecommunications,
international standardization bodies
and participates in some regional
including ITU-T and ISO as well as
and
international
makes
ICT
use
of
standards
regional organizations such as Asia-
development processes. The country
Pacific Telecommunity (APC). Private
does not explicitly have a national
industry
involvement
in
stand-
ardization takes place via a public
ICT
standards
strategy.
It
noted
opportunities for improving technical
infrastructure for participating in ICT
hearing process.
standards development and adoption,
In addition to Thailand’s mandatory
and
standards, there are a small but
education and training in the country,
growing
including standards conferences and
number
standards
primarily
sector-led
forums
of
voluntary
from
and
private
for
increasing
standards
workshops.
non-profit
Zambia
ards, and the Zambia Telecommunications
Company
Limited.
The
private telecommunications operators
The key standards stakeholders from
in Zambia are MTN Zambia and
the Zambian government are The
mobile phone operator Zain Zambia
Communications Authority of Zambia
Limited. The Communications Author-
(CAZ), the Zambia Bureau of Stand-
ity of Zambia is the regulatory body
The memorandum would expand the
nications and spectrum policy. The
mission of ZABS to include information
Authority describes five regulatory
and communication technology stand-
universal
ards. Zambia is also expected to soon
access to ICTs in Zambia: promote
pass a new ICT Act which will elabo-
universal access; develop capacity for
rate on the relationship between the
principles
for
promoting
using ICTs in education; encourage
Communications Authority and the
telecommunication
by
Zambia Bureau of Standards and
creating trusted, transparent, and
which will formulate new laws on ICT
non-discriminatory legal and policy
standards.
frameworks;
investments,
investment
promote
such
as
subsidized
community-
According to the self-assessment on
and
standardization reflected in its reply
stimulate
to the TASC questionnaire, some
private investment and foster public/
of the opportunities for improving
private partnerships.
national standards capability include
The Authority has approximately eight
experts working on ICT standards
standards professionals participating
development; greater private industry
in ITU-T and ITU-R study groups. It
participation in the formulation of
based
telecentres,
underserved
in
areas;
rural
and
the following: development of more
also participated in the ITU regional
Study
Group
5
for
Africa.
The
ICT standards that affect industry
efficiency, profitability, and equipment
Authority is in the process of signing
interoperability; and the development
a
understanding
of government policies that encourage
with the Zambia Bureau of Standards
national standards formulation and
(ZABS), the national standards body
capacity building. The questionnaire
of Zambia. This standards bureau
response also suggested opportunities
was established in 1982 and updated
for
with the passage of the Standards
institutions
Act of 1994, which called for the
such as sponsorship of standards
creation of the Standards Council of
participation and the development of
Zambia as a governing body over
additional programmes for building
the Zambia Bureau of Standards.
standards capacity.
memorandum
of
international
to
standards-setting
provide
incentives
39
40
National
Standards
Capability
Scale
Basic
Standards
Capability,
Inter-
research conducted thus far, coun-
mediate Standards Capability, and Ad-
tries generally fall into one of four
vanced Standards Capability. Figure 2
national
categories
of
standards
41
illustrates these four categories.
readiness: Low Standards Capability,
National
Standards
Strategy
Regional and
International
Participation in
Standards
Development
Adoption of
Standards in
Products and
Services
Minimal Standards
Capability other
than Use of
Products Based
on Standards
Levels 1: Low Standards Capability
Levels 2: Basic Standards Capability
Levels 3: Intermediate Standards Capability
Levels 4: Advanced Standards Capability
Figure 2: Four Levels of National Standards Capability
Each of these categories is cumulative
acteristics unique to Level 4. The
in that each successive capability level
category to which a country belongs
embeds the characteristics of the
can be useful in identifying primary
previous level. For example, a nation
gaps and providing guidance about
with advanced standards capability
priorities
embodies all of the standardization
readiness.
characteristics of levels one through
describe each of these four levels of
and three along with additional char-
national standards capability.
for
improving
The
standards
following
sections
Level 1:
Low Standards Capability
with global networks necessary for
opening
with
42
economic
trading
opportunities
partners.
Global
universal
A very small number of developing
interoperability
through
countries can be characterized as
ICT standards also produces certain
Level 1 countries with “Low Standards
public
interest
effects
access
to
such
as
knowledge,
Capability.” These countries have little
improving
direct involvement in standardization
whether through new forms of digital
activities other than as purchasers
education,
of ICT products based on universal
cultural, business, health, and political
and
access
to
global
standards. Countries at this level are
information. Countries that do not
usually net importers of technology
use products based on universal ICT
rather than developers and manu-
standards cut themselves off from
facturers of ICT equipment. They do
the economic and social benefits of
not have a significant base of private
global
industry manufacturers or research
Another
information
institutions adopting standards into
standards capability brings is the
new products. No institutions, whether
opportunity to provide cost-effective
private
advantage
interoperability.
this
level
of
non-governmental
and functionally effective government
organizations, or government agen-
services because of the efficiency of
cies are involved in international or
using interoperability standards.
entities,
regional standards-setting processes
to any significant degree. Level 1
countries exert influence over standards and the implications of standards
Level 2:
Basic Standards Capability
primarily through procurement of technologies based on ICT standards.
Other countries are at Level 2, or
“Basic Standards Capability.” These
Although, on the surface, this level
countries are not only users of ICT
of
seems
products based on standards but have
extremely limited, Level 1 countries
some manufacturing and development
with appropriate procurement strat-
capability whereby private industry,
egies can still experience significant
academia, or research institutions
benefits from ICT standards. The
adopt
standards
engagement
and
implement
technical
use of products based on universal
standards in products manufactured
ICT standards within national tele-
within the country or services offered
communications infrastructures can
in the country. These products could
provide the technical interoperability
in turn be exported or sold within the
of innovation policy, entrepreneurial
involved in regional or international
opportunities, and global economic
standards development institutions
competitiveness.
to any great extent but have access
of products based on universal ICT
The
development
to the standards developed in these
standards provides countries with
regional or international processes
the opportunity to become more
and adopt and implement them in ICT
competitive in global ICT markets. The
products. Nearly every country with
country’s product manufacturers can
this type of standard implementation
adopt standards within new products
capability,
and sell them globally. Even selling
a
even
handful
of
if
only
private
through
companies
developing products or services, also
these
products
nationally
versus
importing products for national use
has the capabilities described in Level
creates huge benefits in closing global
1, meaning also some use of products
trade gaps.
based on standards. At Level 2,
countries may have undertaken some
efforts to establish national standards,
or
adopt
international
Level 3:
Intermediate Standards Capability
standards
as national standards, but are not
Level
actively
Standards
involved
in
international
three,
or
“Intermediate
Capability,”
describes
standards-setting processes to any
countries which engage in stand-
significant degree. These countries
ardization activities in three general
may have ITU-T sector members or
ways: they use ICT products based
associates but, at this level there is
on universal standards (Level 1), they
little written contribution to standards
implement standards within products
development or active participation in
manufactured in each country (Level
non-regulatory, more technical Study
2), but they also engage in some
Groups.
Developing
countries
are
degree of more active participation in
typically involved in regulatory and
regional and international standards
administrative aspects of standards,
development processes.
such as country code assignments
experts from private industry, acad-
and accounting rates to terminate
emia,
calls, but are less active in non-
government
regulatory, more technical activities.
development of standards in regional
non-profit
Standards
institutions,
contribute
to
or
the
organizations or in international orLevel 2 national standards capability
ganizations.
For
example,
these
provides many benefits over Level 1
countries have ITU sector members
capability, particularly in the areas
or associates, actively make written
43
devel-
having an overall national strategy
opment and participate in ITU Study
for using ICT standards to maximize
Groups or workshops.
economic positioning and to support
contributions
to
standards
44
innovation policy; having adequate
Active
standards
funding for standardization activities,
development offers three significant
participation
in
whether in the private or public sector;
benefits to a country operating at this
produce a cadre of standards experts;
level. First, a country with entities and
influence, at a strategic level, the
interests directly involved in standard
international and regional direction of
setting has the ability to influence
new ICT standards; and often holding
and shape the design choices and
standards events within the country.
associated policy consequences of
standards.
participation
At this level, strategic market influence
provides some market advantage in
Second,
can be exerted nationally by using
later product development based on
procurement policies to influence the
standards because private industry
success of certain ICT standards or
manufacturers involved in standards
by developing effective partnerships
selection can attempt to directly make
and incentive structures between a
the case for the selection and design
country’s public and private entities.
of standards that are most compatible
Strategic influence can also be exerted
with their existing and planned product
internationally by offering proposals
lines. Finally, participation has an
to major Assemblies and conferences,
enormous
of
for example, ITU study questions or
exposing national standards experts
work programmes, or by nominating
educational
benefit
to an even greater knowledge base
representatives as study group chairs,
for future standards work and ICT
vice chairs, or focus group chairs.
innovation.
The SCI will complement the selfLevel 4:
Advanced Standards Capability
assessment analysis done under the
TASC. While the analysis done to date of
the TASC replies has identified 4 broad
Level four is Advanced Standards
categories of standards readiness, the
Capability, which incorporates levels
SCI should provide further granularity
one through three but also includes
of the respective national situations
more strategic national policies regard-
and help to better identify the most
ing standards. At this level, countries
appropriate
demonstrate an understanding of the
actions to improve standards readiness
national importance of standards by:
for individual Member States.
and
effective
priority
Primary
Standards Gaps in the
Developing
World
There are many factors preventing
tified six primary standards gaps in
developing countries from reaching
the developing world, many of them
Level 4, Advanced Standards Capa-
interrelated:
45
bility. This research project has iden-
•
Lack of Understanding of the National Importance of Standards
•
Relatively Less Private Industry Involvement in Standards
•
Inadequate Funding of Standardization
•
Insufficient Standardization Human Resources
•
Insufficient Involvement in International Standards Development Processes
•
Inadequate Technical Infrastructure for Standards Participation.
I. Lack of Understanding of the National Importance of Standards
This report has described the pro-
of the somewhat invisible, abstract,
nounced implications of standards
and technically complex nature of
in the developing world and the
standards, government officials are
consequences of lack of effective
not familiar with the technical role of
standards
Research
standards in ICTs or their economic
conducted within the BSG programme
value; 2) Government officials who
and country feedback presented at
are familiar with standards from a
participation.
the ITU’s Fiji workshop indicate that
technical perspective may not fully be
one gap between the developing
aware of the public policy implications
and developed world is the lack of
of standards; 3) In other cases,
recognition within many governments
government officials may appreciate
of the national importance of stand-
the important technical and public
ards and consequently the lesser
interest implications of ICT standards
priority assigned to such work. Lack of
but invest greater attention in more
government understanding about the
pressing
critical role of standards to national
as
economic competitiveness, innovation
unemployment,
national
alleviating
problems
hunger,
or
such
addressing
dealing
with
policy, and public interest concerns
drought, climate change, or national
usually has its origination in one of
security challenges.
the following reasons. 1) Because
II. Relatively Less Private Industry Involvement
46
There is relatively less private industry
cesses and lower rates of adoption
participation in standardization in the
of
developing world. For example, fewer
products. This gap also includes lower
ITU-T sector members are from the
attendance rates at standards forums.
developing world and more than 85%
As one example, Figure 3 depicts
of national standards bodies in the
developing
bodies.
world
This
gap
are
government
includes
lower
international
standards
in
ICT
the number of recognized operating
agencies and scientific or industrial
organizations
attending
rates of participation by the national
from
private sector in regional and inter-
least developed countries.
developed,
WTSA-08
and
developing,
national standards development pro-
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Developed Countries 67%
Developing Countries 26%
Least Developed Countries 7%
Figure 3: Industry Presence at WTSA-08 (Industry Participation by Country Status)
Many of the TASC questionnaire re-
of ICT products. They are ICT adopt-
sponses cited greater private industry
ers rather than ICT developers. In
involvement as an opportunity to
another
improve national standards capacity.
export ICT products, these products
One contributor to this gap is the reality
are sold by multinational companies
that some developing countries are
headquartered in developed countries
net importers rather than exporters
but with manufacturing facilities in
subset
of
countries
that
on government agencies and public
homegrown
companies.
A
lesser
institutions
provide
to
leadership,
degree of private industry participation
expertise, and financial resources in
and expertise in ICT standardization
ICT standardization.
47
also places a relatively greater burden
III. Inadequate Funding of Standardization
A consistent response in the TASC
a
phenomenon
not
replicated
in
questionnaire and associated inter-
many developing countries because
views was that there is inadequate
of relatively less private industry
standardization
engagement with ICT standards or
activities in the developing world.
a small or non-existent domestic
Some countries provide almost no
private ICT sector.
funding
of
ICT
funding for standardization activities.
Others provide funding for national
The results of inadequate funding
standards
include: less participation in stand-
standards
agencies
bodies
or
but
national
little
else.
ards
development
processes;
Funding priorities relative to more
logistical
limitations
such
immediate services or critical social
inability
to
to
priorities take preference over longer
development activities or workshops;
travel
as
the
standards
term funding of ICT standardization.
lack of funding for standards events
Only a small number of developing
within
countries,
such
as
country;
inadequate
have
funding to support the government
made a significant investment in
personnel and researchers necessary
ICT
standardization.
China,
the
so-
to perform all aspects of standards
called developed world, a significant
In
the
activities described above in Level
portion of standards development
1-4 capabilities; and limited funding
costs are borne by private industry,
for standards education.
IV. Insufficient Standardization Human Resources
In part because of the three afore-
– many developing countries have
mentioned standards gaps – lack of
an insufficient number of standards
prioritization, less private industry
experts in government, industry, and
participation, and lack of funding
academia than necessary to improve
national
In
policies and funding priorities are
example,
developing fewer standards experts.
a significant portion of standards
A final contributor is the gap in
experts come from the private ICT
standards education. In developing
the
48
standards
United
capability.
States,
for
sector. Countries without this product
countries, there are far fewer industry
development and manufacturing base
conferences,
government
training
will have a smaller base of experts.
workshops, international standards
Countries not prioritizing the role of
meetings, and standards courses in
ICT standards in national economic
higher education.
V. Insufficient Involvement in International Standards
Development Processes
Developing
countries
generally
third barrier is cultural. The language
have lower levels of participation in
of
international standards development
development, is English and this can
processes
across
including
industry,
including
standards
stakeholders
be a barrier to participation, as can
government,
different cultural practices and norms
academia, and civil society. There
within various institutions. A fourth
are
for
barrier that has been mentioned
in
already is that the private sector
processes.
is not filling the void in emerging
this
at
least
diminished
international
all
business,
five
reasons
involvement
standards
The first explanation is financial.
market standards development as it
Membership in many international
does in the developed world. A final
standards development organizations
reason revealed during this research
requires a membership fee; it may
project is that the sheer number of
require funding for travel to working
international standards development
groups and for ICT infrastructures
organizations and forums is very
to support involvement; it requires
high. Developing countries can not
funding of the appropriate number of
realistically become involved in all of
personnel to realistically participate
these organizations.
in standards development. The second explanation is human capital,
The ITU has made a concerted effort
including the necessary number of
to increase the number of developing
experts and the necessary knowledge
country Study Group Chairmen and
and expertise to meaningfully become
Vice Chairmen representing devel-
involved in standards development. A
oping and least developed countries
of ITU Study Group Chairman from
area. For example, Figure 4 below
developed,
illustrates
developed countries.
the
current
percentage
developing,
and
least
49
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Developed Countries 47%
Developing Countries 47%
Least Developed Countries 7%
Figure 4: ITU Study Group Chairmen by Country Status (ITU Chairmen by Country Status)
VI. Inadequate Technical Infrastructure for Standards Participation
Finally, the technical infrastructure
in
developing
countries
is
often
inadequate for reaching maximum
viewing of standards development
meetings
or
workshops.
Another
technical limitation involves the lack
This
of ICT infrastructure to handle the
limitation affects those involved in
requirements of convening a large ICT
developing standards, those involved
standards conference or workshop.
national
standards
capability.
in adopting and implementing standards, as well as for the general public
The ITU’s ICT Development Index
or researchers who might be interested
(IDI) compares developments in ICTs
in accessing or participating in ICT
(e.g. access, skills, number of Internet
standards. One ancillary example of
users) in 154 countries over a five-
this limitation is the lack of broadband
year period from 2002 to 2007. With
penetration,
increasingly
the exception of Korea, the ten highest
necessary for remote participation
ranking IDI countries are from Northern
(such as through video) or at least
Europe. (See Figure 5.) The countries
which
is
with low ICT levels, and associated low
illustrates
IDI rankings, are primarily from the
broadband penetration rates by level
developing world. Figure 6 similarly
of development.
the
disparate
levels
of
50
IDI 2002
IDI 2007
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Sweden
Denmark
Iceland
Luxembourg
Finland
Korea (Rep.)
Netherlands
Norway
Switzerland United Kingdom
Figure 5: Top Ten IDI Countries
Per 100
Inhabitants
Per 100
Inhabitants
Fixed broadband
20
2007
2002
Fixed broadband
19.4
20
17
14
15
Developed
Developing
15
World
11
10
10
5.5
5
5
3
0 0.2
1
5
3
2
1
2.4
1
0
0
Africa
Asia
World
Americas Europe
Oceania
1999
2001
2003
2005
Source: ITU World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators database
Figure 6: Fixed Broadband Subscribers by Geographic Region and by Level of Development
2007
Best Practices
forMaximizing
Standards
National
Capability
51
National ICT Standards Strategy
N
Nation
onal Standards Advisory Council
Nat
ational Standards Body
International
al Standards Participation
Regional
al Collaboration
National Fra
amework for
Standards Adop
ption and Use
Standards Advisor
ory Council
Figure 7: Best Practices for National Standards Capability
The previous section identified the
Capability. While the unique political
primary standards gaps in the devel-
and standardization contexts in each
oping world. This section synthesizes
country vary considerably, this list of
many of the results in this research
best practices attempts to present
project into seven significant steps
a high-level strategy for addressing
countries can take to bridge these gaps
standardization gaps.
and to achieve Advanced Standards
National ICT Standards Strategy
Particularly
in
the
current
global
seek
input
and
consensus
from
economic climate, countries should
standards stakeholders from industry,
have a national ICT standards strategy.
academia, and government agencies,
This strategy should emanate from a
and
high-level agency involved in either
elements:
commerce or technology policy, should
should
include
the
following
52
1. It should articulate a statement
global access to knowledge. As an
about the national importance of ICT
example, national standards strategy
standards as a critical ingredient to
statements could include some of the
enabling economic innovation and
following elements:
•
ICT standards are a critical ingredient to promoting both national economic innovation and
enabling a connected and productive citizenry.
•
National use of universal standards improves economic competitiveness and efficiency by
lowering barriers to entry into IT markets and fostering technological innovation.
•
ICT standards unlock opportunities for greater public access to government services and
information and greater civic engagement in culture, commerce, and digital education
•
ICT standards policies especially address critical public areas such as national security and law
enforcement, emerging electronic health systems, and public safety systems.
One example found in the research of a
4. It should lay out the roles and
national standards strategy statement
responsibilities of national standards
which provides many of the elements
institutions, entities, and agencies
that could be adapted to a model
across
approach is the “Malaysian National
countries, this framework will include a
Standards Strategy and Action Plan”.
strong private industry and voluntary
all
stakeholders.
In
some
standards development component.
2. Any national ICT strategy should
In other contexts, the institutions and
include a national inventory of what is
entities involved might primarily be
currently in place in terms of standards
within government institutions. Most
policies, regulations, standards devel-
contexts will include public-private
opment activities, standards institu-
coordination and partnerships.
tions, existing standards in use, and
standards education.
5. It should include specific strategies
for dealing with critical topics such as
3. It should describe the standards
cybersecurity and standards; climate
budget allocated for federal involve-
change and standards; eGovernment
ment in standardization, for standards
and
education and events, and for any sub-
national security; ICT standards and
eHealth;
ICT
standards
for
sidization of private industry partici-
financial and personal data, including
pation in international and domestic
privacy infrastructures; and the role
standardization processes.
of standards in critical infrastructure
protection.
National Standards Advisory Council
ards
advisory
council
of
experts
standards strategy, nations should
from industry, academia, and non-
form and convene a high-level stand-
governmental organizations.
53
National Standards Body
Countries with advanced standards
participating in regional standards
capability will have a multi-stakeholder
processes,
standards body made up of private
standards for domestic deployment
government,
industry,
academia,
(either
international
selecting
voluntary
standards
or
and civil society. The function of the
mandatory standards depending on
national standard body will differ
country), promoting the adoption of
based
political
on
and
economic
ICT standards, publishing national and
context but will often perform the
international standards on a web site,
following functions. This standards
providing tools for improving national
body serves the domestic function
standard capacity, and performing a
of
standards education function.
developing
national
standards,
International Standards Participation
Countries with advanced standards
capability will have the following: ITU
capability
in
sector members or associates; active
standardization
participation in ITU study groups and
actively
international
ICT
participate
organizations such as ITU. ITU has
developed
the
Ladder
of
Stand-
workshops,
including
contributing
standards; hosting standards work-
ardization Development as a recom-
shops
or
events
in
country;
mendation for increasing participation
assuming
in ITU processes. This eight step ladder
ITU study groups and governance
of development is depicted in Figure
structures;
8. From the standpoint of building
proposals for ITU study questions and
standards development capacity, a
work programmes.
country
with
advanced
standards
leadership
the
and
positions
offering
in
strategic
Consequences for
socio-economic
development
ICT Standardization Ladder
Indicators for
measuring the gap
Helping to determine the
process future standardsmaking process
Making proposals on future
study questions and work
programmes
Country of origin for
proposals on future study
questions
Helping to determine
future ICT standards
Nominating representative
as study group chairs, vicechairs, rapporteurs, focus
group chairs etc.
Statistics on breakdown
of Study Group officials by
country of origin
Helping to shape
future ICT standards
Making contributions to
study groups and related
meetings
Statistics on contributions
by country/member of
origin
Learning by doing.
Possibilities for wider
regional and home country
participation
Hosting events and/or regional groups
(Res 54)
Statistics on organization
and hosting of workshops
by country
Learning by doing.
Possibilities for “networking”
Participation in study groups
and related meetings
Study Group participation
statistics
Institutional membership in
the international community
helps promote
globalization and offset its
negative aspects
ITU Sector Members
or Associates
Membership statistics
Capacity-building helps
to build a national human
resource base and a stock
of engineers
Domestic training and
capacity-building in use of
ITU Recommendations
Downloads and sales of
ITU Recommendations by
Universities and training
institutes. Translation into
local language
Use of international
standards, for instance in
ICT procurement, should
help to reduce costs and
promote ease of use
Domestic usage of ITU
Recommendations
Downloads and sales of
ITU Recommendations by
country of origin. Trends
over time
54
Figure 8: Ladder of Standardization Development
Regional Collaboration
55
implementation
development processes and activities
joint
advice,
participation
in
and
for
international
is an important component of best
standardization.
practices for building standards cap-
nation meetings and processes to
acity in the developing world. This
obtain broad support for proposals
type of involvement is particularly
can also strengthen the ability of
important
for
small
and
Regional
coordi-
least
individual countries to influence global
developed countries because region-
standards work. Holding standards
al relationships among national stand-
meetings in the regions also plays
ards bodies and other entities create
an
opportunities for standards education
participation in ITU-T standards work.
important
role
in
facilitating
and training, for sharing of standards
National Framework for
Standards Adoption and Use
Countries with advanced standards
of this type of framework is to insure
capability have a blueprint (sometimes
interoperability, efficiency, and cost-
called an interoperability framework,
effectiveness
an ICT procurement policy, or a code
ICT architectures. In some contexts,
of best practices for procuring ICTs) for
governments may establish policies
the use of products based on certain
for national use of ICT standards
ICT standards within government ICT
beyond government infrastructures,
infrastructures.
particularly
In
the
developing
within
in
areas
government
in
which
world, governments are often the
standards most directly have public
largest national purchasers of ICT
policy implications such as standards
products. As a significant part of
for
domestic ICT markets, governments
for information security or privacy.
can
exert
influence
by
electronic
health
systems
or
adopting
Governments choose to achieve this
certain standards within government
type of outcome through a variety of
infrastructures. One overall purpose
means ranging from the more direct,
tages in procurement, tax breaks)
56
about mandatory standards, to more
for companies and other entities to
market-based approaches such as
adopt standards within products and
government incentives (e.g. advan-
services.
Standards Education Strategy
Countries wishing to achieve advan-
electronic materials on various as-
ced standards capability should seek
pects of ICT standardization, offering
opportunities for increasing stand-
government-sponsored ICT standards
ards education to build a national
training in collaboration with pri-
knowledge base and increase stand-
vate
ardization human resources. Three
standards-setting organizations, and
opportunities for improving national
incentivizing
standards education capacity include
convocation of ICT standards confer-
taking advantage of freely available
ences and workshops in the country.
industry
and
and
international
encouraging
the
Recommended
Priorities
for ITU-T Action
The
introductory
section
of
this
of standards capacity, to synthesize
report described some of the actions
these
that the ITU-T has already taken to
categories of standards readiness, to
help bridge the standardization gap
present recommended best practices
between developing and developed
to help countries achieve advanced
countries. Some of these actions
standards capability and to develop a
have included adopting resolutions,
standards capability index.
results
into
four
national
establishing the BSG fund, holding
regional development forums, estabregional
con-
key questions raised by developing
vening the first Global Standards
countries was how they can ascend
lishing
groups
de-
the BSG ladder and how the ITU can
scribed the results of the ITU-T’s
help. This section turns attention to
Symposium.
This
report
and
At the Fiji workshop, one of the
has
current research project to better
five concrete actions the ITU-T can
understand the reasons for standards
take to continue its effort to bridge
gaps in the developing world, to
the standardization gap.
present indicators and case studies
Priority Action #1:
Perform Qualitative Measuring and Ranking of National Standards
Readiness
The findings in this report reflect
both
qualitative
self-assessments
development, human resources, government policies, and standardization
of national standards capability and
usage. The numerical figure will help
quantitative data of select countries.
evaluate current standards capacity,
The next part of this analysis will
forecast
expand this to a more quantitative
and hopefully serve as a metric
analysis
requiring
numerical
data
to
inform
standardization
government
trends,
standards
gathering from all developing coun-
policy and improve standardization
tries that are ITU Member States.
capability.
As mentioned earlier, this analysis
Plan calls for developing methods,
will result in the development of
tools
a
index
measurement of the results and the
(SCI), a numerical figure reflecting
level of effectiveness of the efforts
a country’s overall capacity in all
and activities applied in bridging the
aspects of standardization including
standardization gap.
standardization
capability
and
The
Res.
indicators
44
for
Action
accurate
57
To
58
the
There are additional considerations
revised TASC questionnaire was sent
gather
this
information,
that will need to be addressed to
in November 2009 to all developing
complete a more statistical approach
countries that are Member States
to identifying national standardization
of ITU and that had not been
capacity.
previously contacted. Some of the
weighting of indicators for stand-
The
identification
capability
will
and
information needed already can be
ardization
found in the databases of the ITU.
determination of what variables to
require
This analysis will also look at the
include and what relative weighting to
ICT capacity of countries to assess
give each variable. The definition and
whether they have the necessary
weighting of SCI indicators will be
communication
developed using the Delphi method of
infrastructure
to
participate fully in standards work
incorporating the opinions of experts
remotely and to make the fullest
on standardization both within and
use of on-line electronic tools and
outside of the ITU. Obtaining sufficient
working
is
data for each Member State also will
conducting on-line research to add
be a challenge. It is anticipated that
to the data and is compiling the
this numerical evaluation system will
information in a series of analytical
be updated on a regular basis to reflect
spreadsheets.
rapid changes in global standardization
methods.
TSB
staff
strategy and requirements.
Priority Action #2:
Develop a BSG Toolkit to Distribute to Developing Countries
To help countries achieve the best
•
practices for maximizing national standards capacity described in this report,
A sample approach to a national
ICT standards inventory.
•
Sample
national
strategies
for
the ITU-T will consider developing
dealing with a selected number
a Bridging the Standardization Gap
of key standards topics such as
Toolkit. This BSG toolkit will include
eHealth,
the following resources:
•
about
the
change,
and
cybersecurity.
A sample ICT standards strategy
statement
climate
national
importance of ICT standards.
•
Drawing from real life examples,
several
options
for
a
national
framework laying out roles and
responsibilities for agencies, stand-
chose to adapt to their unique
ards institutions, and private industry in standards setting.
•
circumstances.
•
An electronic repository of existing,
A model ICT interoperability frame-
free training materials about ICT
work of standards used within
standards and ITU processes.
governments that countries can
Priority Action #3:
Conduct Intensive Research on Key Countries and Make Targeted
Recommendations
The ITU-T will select a few countries,
with the goal of increasing stand-
e.g. one with low standards capability,
ardization capability.
one with basic standards capability,
and one with intermediate standards
In addition, regional workshops will
capability, conduct intensive research
be organized to assist Member States
and analysis of their standardization
in strengthening national standards
capabilities, and make targeted recom-
capacity as well as on how to partici-
mendations unique to each country
pate effectively in the work of the ITU.
Priority Action #4:
Develop e-Education and Training for Standards Work
The ITU-T will progressively develop
•
A set of guidelines on how to apply
an on-line standards programme to
ITU-T Recommendations, in par-
include:
ticular on manufactured products
•
An electronic repository of existing, free training materials
sis on Recommendations having
about ICT standards and ITU-T
regulatory and policy implications.
processes.
•
and interconnection, with empha-
•
A forum where developing coun-
The expert presentations and pan-
tries can raise questions concerning
el discussions from the Fiji work-
their understanding and application
shop and other expert lectures to
of Recommendations and seek ad-
be developed.
vice from study group experts.
59
Priority Action #5:
Facilitate Participation in ITU Events
60
The ITU has made great progress in
Forums to discuss issues related to
facilitating remote participation in ITU
bridging
events and will continue this effort
Based
the
on
standardization
the
positive
gap.
feedback
using remote collaboration tools and
about these meetings as well as
live video feeds.
emerging needs, ITU will continue
WTSA Resolution 54 has called for
meetings and will help gear these
the creation of regional groups and
meetings toward specific areas of
ITU has responded by convening
standardization
to facilitate the organization of these
numerous
Regional
Development
training.
groups will also be created.
Flagship
M e as uring an d
Reducing
Standards Gap
ITU Committed to Connect the world
M e as uring an d
R e d u c i n g the
Standards Gap
Printed in Switzerland
Geneva, 2010
Photo credits:
©ITU, Shutterstock, Photodisc
04/2010
International Telecommunication Union
Telecommunication Standardization sector
Place des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 730 6082
Fax: +41 22 730 5853
E-mail: tsbspd@itu.int
www.itu.int