The topic of standardisation governance was one of the major protagonists at the 12th Meeting of the Community of Users on Secure, Safe, Resilient Societies, which was held in Brussels on 3-4 December.
Three panels were featured on the topic, dedicated to standardisation for security and crisis management, pre-normative research and foresight studies, and coordination needs.
Speakers addressed the needs and added value of standards when it comes to crisis management and resilience operations, with examples of how H2020 projects are including standardisation at a greater level. Feedback from stakeholders at all levels was also mentioned, with the greater importance of standardisation arising from consultations with practitioners, providers and experts.
Patricia Compard, chair of CEN TC 391 (Societal and Citizen Security), stressed how standards can achieve technical compatibility of material and interoperability of systems, as well as more cost-effective outcomes for end users and suppliers. Philippe Quevauviller of the European Commission pointed out that standards need to match the needs of practitioners and that events like the Community of Users are fundamental to understand the needs of the community.