Technical standards are authoritative documents that define agreed-upon methods, specifications, and guidelines for designing, producing, testing, or using products, processes, and services. They are created by recognized standards development organizations through a process of expert consensus.
A standard might specify the coordinated universal time and its various zones across the planet, the voltage requirements for electrical equipment, the testing methods for a medical device, or the various measurements of coffee. While we often think of them in the context of engineering applications, technical standards span all industries and aspects of society. Some standards are international in scope, while others apply nationally or within specific industries.
Technical standards provide reliable frameworks that guide design, production, and evaluation. They help ensure safety, reliability, and quality, support compatibility across technologies, provide common reference points for research and innovation, and help organizations comply with regulations and best practices.
Standards are applied in many professional and academic contexts. Engineers and scientists use them to design and test products, businesses adopt them to meet regulatory requirements and access global markets, researchers cite them to align with industry practices, and students consult them to understand professional expectations.
"Standards and Standard Setting" in Encyclopedia of Global Studies
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Primer on Engineering Standards
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Technical standards are developed and published by standards development organizations (SDOs) such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and ASTM International (ASTM). These SDOs have committees of experts from industry, academia, government, and other organizations, who create standards through a process of consensus.
Some organizations, such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) may "adopt" existing international standards published by SDOs. Adoption means that the national body formally endorses the international standard for use in its country, sometimes as-is and sometimes with minor modifications to reflect local regulations, units, or practices.
When looking for technical standards, keep in mind that some standards are originally developed by international SDOs, and that national adoptions may differ slightly in content.
There isn’t a universal standard for naming standards; each organization has its own system. ISO, IEEE, ASTM, and others follow structured conventions so that each standard can be clearly identified and cited. Think of it as each SDO having its own “house rules” for numbering, editions, and parts, which helps everyone know exactly which standard is being referenced.
A typical standard designation includes:
For example, ISO 9001:2015 indicates the International Organization for Standardization standard number 9001, published or revised in 2015.
Some standards are published in multiple parts, each covering a specific aspect of the topic, or may have amendments or updates. Including these details in the designation ensures you are consulting or citing the correct portion of the standard.
Understanding these conventions helps you locate the exact standard you need and ensures you are referencing the correct version in research or practice.
