The IT industry needs to take a mature, credible, and proactive role in responding to the needs of complementary industries and the interests of governments. U.S. law and policy give strong preference to accredited standards as a basis for regulatory action and procurement policy. Similar consideration exists in Europe and deference to international standards is a corner stone of the world trade organization in its objective of eliminating trade barriers. It is time to for the IT industry to re-invest in the standardization that is required to minimize government intervention and to meet the needs of affected communities of interest. Individual Incentive Individual technical experts, often senior engineers directly involved in product development and planning, ultimately are the foundation of the standards process.
Individuals can find standards activities one of the most rewarding of their careers.
To the most outstanding team leader in the field of computer engineering standards in recognition of outstanding skills, a dedication to diplomacy, team facilitating and joint achievement in the areas where individual aspirations, corporate competition and organizational rivalry could otherwise be counter to the common good. Standards meetings occur at off-site locations and bring together technical experts from diverse industry organizations. Dialogue occurs in meeting rooms, in the halls, and over dinners. Influence is developed over time, based on mutual respect, technical competence, and professional integrity. This can be a motivating factor that is rarely available for organizations though internal operations.