UK calls on EU to push for standards on 5G, IoT, cloud, cyber and digitisation of manufacturing

In a new report it has issued in response to a European Commission consultation on standards in the digital single market, the UK government said that businesses should lead the development of ICT standards (4-page / 37KB PDF).

The Commission, governments and other public bodies have a supporting role to play in coordinating standard-setting and providing "an environment where standards can be effectively implemented and coordinated", it said. The UK government also said the Commission should "look to provide the environment through which opportunities can be created for European businesses to influence globally used standards".

"ICT standards have the potential to improve compatibility and interoperability across domains and industries, which in turn improves user experience, helps smaller providers scale-up, and fosters adoption of new technology," the UK government paper said. "The Commission can support this by promoting and recognising standards that emerge from industry at the EU level. These should reflect the voluntary nature of standards use and not be mandatory, so as not to stifle innovation."

The UK government said it backs plans to prioritise the development of technical standards in five areas, namely 5G communications, the IoT, cloud computing, cyber security and digitisation of manufacturing. However, it also identified other developments which are being driven by technology which could benefit from new standards.

"We believe that five topics is an adequate number to consider at this time and it would be difficult to focus on a larger number," it said. "However if further topics are added, we would suggest connected and autonomous vehicles (CCAV) alongside intelligent transport systems (ITS) and also e-health."

Expert in advanced manufacturing Nicole Livesey of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, said: "The effects of technology transforming our everyday activities has been dramatic and far reaching and our standards, regulations and laws are likely to require wholesale rewriting over time. Given that technology and its applications cross boundaries, it is right to consider standards and regulations on a European or even global basis." 

"To take a very simple example, for a vehicle to be able to be truly autonomous it will need to connect to, and interact with, all parts of its environment and is likely to cross borders. Given the speed in which the technology is being developed and tested, and the capital being invested, it is critical that there is a clear set of rules and standards to work to," she said.

On standards for connected and autonomous vehicles technologies, the UK government said it is already "mapping the standards landscape … to identify where it can usefully develop standards for key parts of the operating systems for autonomous and connected vehicles and for related enabling technologies".

"We are very keen to ensure that there is support for the development of appropriate standards that will inform the safe and timely development and deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles technologies and to work with the [European Commission and EU member states] to ensure international cooperation and adoption."