Standardisation & Technology

EIT Digital via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/standardisation

Introduction

**Course Review: Standardisation & Technology on Coursera** In an increasingly complex world where technology permeates every facet of our lives, understanding the role of standards is more crucial than ever. The Coursera course "Standardisation & Technology" delves into this often-overlooked aspect of modern society, showcasing its significance and the history behind standardisation. ### Course Overview "Standardisation & Technology" provides an enlightening exploration of how standards shape our daily experiences and societal functions. From the inception of basic measurements to the intricate protocols required for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and smart mobility, this course covers a broad spectrum of topics related to standardisation. It prompts participants to recognize the profound impact that standards have—many of which we take for granted. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction**: The course begins by framing the concept of standards within historical contexts. It emphasizes that standards have been integral to human society for millennia, and illustrates their evolution as we transitioned into the information age. Through engaging lectures and reading materials, learners are encouraged to appreciate the unseen influence of standards in everyday life. 2. **History of Standards**: This segment encourages participants to reflect on the historical significance of standards for various systems, including timekeeping and measurement. It invites open discussion on historical examples, fostering a deeper understanding of how standards have shaped societies over time. 3. **Fundamentals of Standardisation**: Here, the course provides a comprehensive overview of what constitutes a standard, detailing the various parties involved in the standardisation process. The discussions delve into the critical nature of developing good standards, highlighting that effective standardisation requires a delicate balance between need and regulation. 4. **Standards Developing Organisations (SDOs)**: The module introduces learners to the roles and functions of SDOs, explaining how these organisations contribute to the creation and enforcement of standards. By understanding the operational mechanisms of SDOs, participants can grasp the importance of structured guidelines in technology and society. 5. **Consortia**: This section discusses the formation of consortia as a response to rapid technological advancements that outstrip traditional SDO processes. These industry-led groups are essential for developing new standards in an agile manner, and the course provides insights into some of the most influential consortia. 6. **Future Use and Role of Standards**: In the final module, learners are confronted with contemporary challenges related to standards in technology. Topics such as ethics, privacy, and the requirement for standards in cutting-edge fields are critically analyzed. Participants are encouraged to engage with the material and form their opinions on how standards can effectively govern emerging technologies. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "Standardisation & Technology" for professionals, students, or anyone interested in understanding the intersection of technology and regulation. This course does an exceptional job of elucidating the often-invisible framework that supports our modern world. The insightful content, combined with an interactive format, enriches the learning experience. Whether you are a tech enthusiast curious about the machinery behind your favorite gadgets or a policy-maker grappling with the implications of new technologies, this course provides valuable knowledge and perspectives. The blend of historical context with contemporary issues ensures that you come away not just informed, but also equipped to engage in conversations about the crucial role that standards play in shaping our future. In a time when technology is evolving at lightning speed, "Standardisation & Technology" equips you with the understanding and tools to navigate and contribute to this dynamic landscape effectively. Enroll today and embark on a journey to unravel the intricate yet foundational world of standardisation!

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course Standardisation and Technology. First we will go through history and find that standards have always been part of human society. Even if you maybe had not realised it yet. But the world has since developed into the current information age. And standards had to develop accordingly. We will discuss the fundamentals, the organisations that draft, oversee and exercise standards ánd the societal necessity and dependance on good standards. Already have a look at the reading materials you will be using throughout the course. We hope you join and enjoy the course and realise what an impact standards have on our (and your) day-to-day life!

History

How many decades can we go back to still see standards used by humans? Or maybe go back even more, how many ages or how many millennia? Before we dive into this: Have you ever thought about how you knew how far back a decade is? Right, time is indeed a prime example of standardisation, even moreso our time zones. But there are many more examples, let us discuss a few. Can you think of any other historic examples of standards?

Fundamentals

Now that you have become acquainted with standards throughout history, it is important to recognize what defines a standard. We will walk you through the fundamentals of standardisation, the different parties that are involved in the development. The parties that require standards, the parties that impose regulations. Altogether the development process takes a lot of consideration and in this modules we aim to shine light on the basics to good standards.

Standards Developing Organisations

According to the free internet encyclopedia: "A standards organisation, standards body, standards developing organisation (SDO), or standards setting organisation (SSO) is an organisation whose primary activities are developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, reissuing, interpreting, or otherwise producing technical standards that are intended to address the needs of a group of affected adopters." So SDOs essentially do 'everything' with regard to standardisation? We will show you exactly what SDOs do and more importantly how different SDOs operate in this module.

Consortia

What happens when technological progress severely outpaces the development of new standards by the SDOs? New products need new guidelines or standards to abide to, but if there are no suitable standards technological process is hindered. Around the 1980s, the technological advancement was too quick for the (alleged) bureacratic & sluggish SDOs. In response the industry started consortia to fill this lack of standards and start developing themselves. Find out more and also get acquainted with some of the most recognised consortia!

Future use and role of standards

Finally we arrive at the crossroads of present day standardisation. Since the 1980s technological advancement has not slowed down. Moreover, technology that was previously thought impossible is already right around the corner. Areas like smart mobility, articifical intelligence and machine learning not only require standards to function but also to remain within ethical boundaries. How should, or even can, we define ethics in standards and what about privacy? Technology tends to infringe on this human right more and more. Can we rely on standards alone to set the stage? Form your opinion and learn more about the intricacies between these two subjects.