Solving the Standardisation Dilemma

Europe’s digital policy agenda is expanding rapidly, with legislative initiatives such as the Cyber Resilience Act and the AI Act placing new and urgent demands on the production of harmonised standards. A central dilemma is emerging: how can the European Standardisation System (ESS) move fast enough to meet policy and market needs, while ensuring inclusive processes that reflect diverse expertise and interests? 

A structural driver of the demand for reform is the shift to a software-defined world. The ESS was built around the needs of hardware development, but today’s standards increasingly concern software systems that evolve through agile and iterative processes. Standardisation bodies are struggling to keep pace, raising questions about whether the system can adapt—or whether a new approach is needed.

This roundtable will explore how openness, as practised in collaborative innovation models such as open source development, can offer a pathway through this dilemma. By embracing openness in governance and process—transparency, inclusiveness, and modular iteration—the ESS can become more responsive without sacrificing legitimacy. This is not only a matter of technical process but of strategic significance: Europe’s ability to shape global technology standards, maintain digital sovereignty, and remain competitive depends on it.

The event will bring together policymakers, industry experts, and the broader technology community to examine how openness can help align the ESS with the demands of a software-driven economy and a rapidly evolving political landscape. The event is held under Chatham House Rule.

Where? Maison de la Poste, Rue Picard 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

When? 22 October 2025, 16:30 – 18:30, followed by networking drinks with the Code & Compliance participants.