INSTAR webinar - Shaping International Standards in Advanced ICT Tech Regulation: An Introduction to INSTAR and its Global Impact

In the EU policy context, standardisation plays a pivotal role in shaping regulations that safeguard end users while fostering market-based competition and interoperability of complementary products and services.

The EU Standardisation Strategy underscores the necessity for the EU to assert a leadership position in global standardisation processes. This strategic approach not only enhances international cooperation but also aligns with broader EU objectives such as protecting EU strategic interests and promoting EU rules as global standards.

An essential element of the strategy is "multilateral engagement" through Europe’s Digital Partnerships and the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which involves collaborating with international partners to forge a consensus on international standards. This cooperation is crucial for maintaining economic security and reinforcing mutual resilience, particularly in a complex geopolitical environment.

Thus, the broader framework of multilateral engagement is exactly where INSTAR plays a crucial role.

INSTAR is an EU-funded project that aims to support the implementation of Europe’s Digital Partnerships and the EU-US TTC by working together with relevant entities from Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA to drive international common standards for AI, Cybersecurity, Digital ID, Quantum Technologies, IoT, 5G, 6G and Data Technologies.

To do this, INSTAR will establish expert Task Forces to analyse and identify European standardisation priorities and legislation in these areas, share best practices and provide recommendations to be taken in to foster greater international cooperation and enhance EU's strategic positioning in the global tech governance landscape.

The webinar featured Emilio Davila Gonzalez (EC DG CNECT Policy Officer, Head of ICT Standardisation Sector) who highlighted the strategic role that INSTAR and its Task Forces will play in sharing European best practices and priorities in order to facilitate international dialogue on standardisation.

As the INSTAR project currently sets up the Task Forces, the webinar was an opportunity to target and attract potential members who are essential in shaping the future of standardisation in these technology fields.