Selected Impacts of Documentary Standards Supported by NIST

Published

January 15, 2009

Author(s)

Erik Puskar

Abstract

This report reflects the results of a survey that canvassed the National Institute of Standards and Technology s (NIST) Operating Units (OUs) for instances where NIST has played an active role in the development or implementation of documentary standards with broad adoption and significant positive economic or social benefits. It is part of a broader Technology Services effort to assess the impact of standards on global competitiveness and innovation. The results of the canvassing effort identified 55 documentary standards efforts that either had a significant economic or social impact. The most common impact identified was increased market share. A common theme of the documented standards efforts documented was NIST support for testing and conformity assessment activities associated with the standards. Other NIST contributions included: conducting research which formed the basis of the standard; working cooperatively with industry to establish appropriate requirements; and developing applicable software. International participation was present in 42 percent of the cases. Continuing to focus standards development efforts in key technologies will support U.S. innovation and competitiveness and help U.S. technology and standards gain global acceptance. Better reporting and promotion of standards activities will also serve NIST well.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7398

Report Number

7398

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7398

Keywords

documentary stardands, economic benefits, impact analysis, SDO, standards developing organization

Citation

Puskar, E. (2009), Selected Impacts of Documentary Standards Supported by NIST, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7398 (Accessed October 10, 2025)