I have been doing some research on the ISO and its focus on education. More and more colleges and universities around the world are achieving ISO certifications. The ISO is encouraging this development and has now established an ISO AWARD. The following has been taken from the ISO website, and IARC members are encouraged to explore this site: www.iso.org International standardization and education
Standards are a vehicle for the sharing of knowledge, technology and good practices: an essential component of the world-wide industrial and post-industrial infrastructure supporting economic activities, societal needs and more equitable opportunities – in other words, sustainable development.
The key role of standards has been implicitly recognized, since a long time, in the education programmes covering a broad variety of technical fields.
However, it is a more recent trend the increased awareness of educational institutions all over the world of the importance of standardization activities in a more general sense: for the contribution that they can give to trade of products and services, to promoting good business practices and to fostering technological innovation.
ISO considers this trend of utmost importance and believes in the fundamental contribution that educational institutions can give on teaching what international standardization is and what can be achieved through it.
ISO is keen to support these institutions in their efforts and to encourage them to share their knowledge, experience and expertise. Also, considering that education and research are often linked, ISO wishes to promote studies and surveys relating to the macro- and micro-economic benefits of standardization.
The ISO Award
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, is the world’s largest developer of voluntary, consensus-based International Standards. The increasing international recognition of the economic, environmental and social importance of International Standards is being reflected by the inclusion of standardization as a subject in many higher education programmes provided by universities and other higher education institutions around the world.
ISO is keen to recognize the efforts of higher education bodies and to encourage them to share their knowledge, experience and expertise with other educational establishments. In addition, education and research are often linked and ISO wishes to promote studies and surveys relating to the macro and micro-economic benefits of standardization.
ISO has therefore decided to create a specific award to encourage and recognize successful programmes related to standardization as a tool to access world markets, transfer technology and promote good business practice and sustainable development.
The ISO Award for Higher Education in Standardization aims to raise awareness of the importance of standardization worldwide by supporting institutions of higher education that have developed and implemented successful programmes.
Further information on eligibility, nominations and the selection criteria can be found : www.iso.org
Warnborough is considering applying for the next award. Perhaps, other IARC members are keen to submit an application?
Dr. Brenden D. Tempest-Mogg