What is ICT Standard and the EU’s Role in Standardization of ICT?

ICT, or Information and Communications Technology, is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Though there is no single definition of ICT, the term is generally used to denote all devices, networking components, applications and systems that combined enable people and organizations to interact with each other in the digital world.

What are the Components of an ICT System?

ICT comprises of both the internet-enabled sphere and the mobile one powered by wireless networks. Moreover, it also includes outdated technologies, like landline telephones, radio and television broadcast- all of which are widely used today together with cutting-edge ICT technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics. ICT is sometimes used in equivalence with IT; however, ICT is generally used to exemplify a broader, more comprehensive list of all components related to computer and digital technologies than IT. The list of ICT components is all-inclusive, and it still continues to grow. Components like computers and telephones have existed for decades. Others, like smartphones, digital TVs and robots, come under the recent entries.

What is EU’s role in ICT Standardization?

Standardization is a significant component of industrial competitiveness. Regulation 1025/2012 on European standardization makes the legal framework in which the bodies in standardization (The European Commission, European Standardization Organizations and societal stakeholders) operate.

ICT Standards play an essential role in accomplishing interoperability of new technologies and can bring significant benefits to both the industry and consumers. The ICT standard helps ICT markets remain open and enable consumers the wide range of products. With the Communication on ICT Standardization Priorities, the Commission suggests to focus standard-setting resources and communities on 5 priority areas:

• 5G

• Internet of Things

• Cloud Computing

• Cyber Security

• Data Technologies

Considerable action in these diverse fields can speed up digitization and have an immediate impact on competitiveness in several domains like eHealth, intelligent transport systems and automated vehicles, smart homes and cities, advanced manufacturing. The ultimate success depends on a high-level commitment to standardization from a broad stakeholder base. This further includes industry, standard-setting organizations and the research community.

The 2019 Rolling plan of ICT standardization takes a unique look at standardization activities in the field of ICT by connecting them to EU legislation and policies. In the 2019 edition, 4 new topics were included. Artificial Intelligence and European Global Navigation Satellite System have also been added to the key enablers and security chapter.