French Standardization Strategy 2016-2018

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FRENCH 2016 STANDARDIZATION 2018 STRATEGY p. 4 Summary p. 6 Major challenges p.10 Eight topics: the backbone of the new strategy 2018 p. 21 Specific topics p. 23 Key progress areas for effective implementation p. 25 Evaluation & adaptability through dynamic management INTRODUCTION

Interacting with all stakeholders and organizing focus groups gives standardization an early insight into the latest technological and social trends and the prospects for economic development by detecting even the weakest signals in the market. Standardization’s strength lies in its ability to respond to prospective innovative needs by providing the tools for developing and structuring the markets, while addressing both economic aspects and issues relating to health, the environment and society in general.

This strategy offers guidance to French businesses and industry on which position to adopt and the corresponding course of action. It provides the stimulus fuelling the force driving standardization. It acts as a bridge between the guidelines issued by the strategic committees, particularly for issues covering several sectors, and it also takes into consideration public policy, such as France’s Industry of the Future plan and Energy Transition Act, in a bid to ensure alignment with standardization work. Finally, the strategy aims to promote national interests at both the domestic and international levels and foster harmonious interaction between standardization and legislation. 4 Summary SUMMARY: The French standardization strategy 2016-2018

In accordance with its missions, AFNOR’s Standardization Coordination and Steering Committee (CCPN) has developed the French standardization strategy for 2018. This strategy builds on the foundations laid by the French standardization strategy for 2011-2015. It aims to highlight the prospective needs that have been identified as important and beneficial to France’s sustainable and responsible growth in keeping with governmental policies. It offers guidance to French businesses and industry on which position to adopt and the corresponding course of action. It delivers a consistent overview of the challenges that voluntary standardization stakeholders will need to address. It suggests lines of inquiry for the next few years. Finally, the strategy aims to promote national interests at both the domestic and international levels and foster harmonious interaction between voluntary standardization and legislation.

The CCPN took the initiative of leading discussions on two major societal challenges: Digitalization of society Climate and environment and the digital economy

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Summary 5

These challenges permeate Furthermore, the strategy The French standardization all the multi-sector topics presents five specific strategy is divided chosen: topics due to their strategic into two sections:

Energy transition value: The first section describes the pros- Silver economy pects for the standardization sector by Nanotechnologies sharing and consolidating the directions Circular economy Contribution to safe, healthy and and priorities voiced by the strategic com- Digital economy sustainable food mittees and the members of the CCPN Collaborative economy & Drones during the strategic seminars in light of the sharing economy Technical textiles and new smart challenges expressed by social and eco- Sustainable and smart cities materials nomic stakeholders and public authori- Factory of the future Medicine of the future ties. Services The second section covers implementation, including the key progress areas (operation, development, and so on).

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MAJOR CHALLENGES

In defining the strategy, the CCPN took the initiative of leading discussions on two major societal challenges that concern all the multi-sector topics chosen:

Digitalization of society and the Climate and digital economy environment

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Major challenges 7

These topics encompass a large number of subjects, initia- exponentially. These masses of data, or big data as they are tives, developments and issues. known, are causing a host of new issues. The time for prai- The value of this approach is that it highlights the links and sing the merits or denouncing the drawbacks of the circula- interactions between fields of activity and social players. Taking an in-depth look at digitized society and the develop- Production & collection, processing & ment of the digital economy produced several common lines of investigation relating to the consequences and impacts of infrastructure, and reporting & presentation such changes. of data could be the three core activities The same observation applies to climate and environment. governing the “creative destruction” era that society has now entered

tion and use of such data has come and gone. The priority now should be on defining a policy for incorporating Big data as an input to our focus groups. Digitalization of society and the digital Production & collection, processing & infrastructure, and reporting & presentation of data could be the three core activities governing economy the “creative destruction” era that society has now entered. In response to the dramatic development of digital technolo- These changes are also challenging existing business mo- gies, a minimum level of interoperability must be guaranteed dels. New companies are breaking into the market, some- and consequently an organization and ad-hoc structures times seemingly overnight, which shakes up a certain esta- must be set up. blished order. In terms of geographic scale, this particular topic should at least be examined at the European level. Since trade is in- Technological innovations and their uptake by society are creasingly liberalized, confining the thought process within leaving organizations with no choice but to adapt to the national boundaries could stifle progress. change in rhythm. Security in all its aspects is a major concern for everyone: cy- In terms of geographic scale, this bersecurity, striking a balance between development and respect for privacy and intimacy, as well as identifying the risks of particular topic should at least be fragility and technological dependence, and guaranteeing examined at the European level a minimum level of fail-over. Information and communication technologies hold such an important place in professional and private lives that they are Working on a European scale requires a proactive approach in transforming workplace relationships. Incidentally, the dividing order to build a strategy aimed at forging partnerships and iden- line between work and social life is increasingly blurred. tifying opportunities, rather than acting reactively and defensively. In addition to these major cross-sector challenges which The digitalization of society is undeniably gathering pace. Ob- require a cross-sector response, many sectors have voiced jects are communicating, networks are becoming active and their pressing need for digital tools, including healthcare, pro- the amount of information and data in circulation is growing duction sites and energy efficiency.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 8 Major challenges

Climate and environment Concept simplification In an effort to support organizations with their activities and The major challenges that standardization faces for addressing especially companies and local authorities looking to streamline protection of the environment and climate change mitigation their investments, standardization must help create simpler concern energy efficiency, concept simplification and energy concepts: maps and strategic analyses are effective for iden- transition. tifying gaps, documenting requirements and setting priorities.

Energy efficiency Energy transition Standardization has clearly been identified as a relevant and This topic can be conceptualized as four issues, or the “4 Ds”: appropriate tool for supporting the implementation of the national low-carbon strategy; projects focusing on energy > Decentralized energy, which will shake up transport, distri- efficiency technologies, which will require significant invest- bution and storage activities. ments from both the private and public sectors, and on the > Decarbonation with the development of renewables and consequently the need for interconnected energy sources. Standardization has clearly been > Decreased consumption enabled by breakthroughs identified as a relevant and appropriate in energy efficiency. tool for supporting the implementation of > Digitalization for developing intelligent systems. the national low-carbon strategy Standardization can obviously play a role in aligning these diffe- impact of soil management on greenhouse gases (GHG) have rent levels or needs. been described as especially promising. With respect to investments, standardization should be pro- To a certain extent, analyzing environmental and health crises moted as a tool for making informed decisions and assessing as well as accidents provides an opportunity to acquire profi- performance. table experience. An accident-based approach highlights the Since social and environmental objectives are sometimes in risks and dangers that are present when standards are either conflict, standardization can offer guidelines on the mechanisms not available or not used. for establishing a compromise.

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Impact of new expectations on standardization

Standardization needs to adapt and look into the prospect of col- laborating with the other organizations involved in these particular areas. A compromise should be reached between the quality of the round-table discussions, the consensus approach and the necessary speed of response, so that the market and society in general can be provided with reference documents that are relevant, recognized, required and tailored to their needs.

A key aspect - and a major challenge - is for standardization to adopt an overarching approach to its work, especially by incorporating digital technologies, which is essential for gaining a clear insight into the concepts shared by the different fields and their interactions. Finally, a recurring concept is trust. Everything depends on trust, whether simplifying initiatives, driving developments, reassuring users, consumers and society, strengthening trade or preparing for the future. Standardization has a major role to play in addressing this challenge, and everyone is responsible for making a contribution.

Discussions relating to Digitalization and Climate & Environment are major preoccupations that should guide and enhance all standardization work. These issues concern all activities and serve as the inspiration for all work and developments.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 EIGHT TOPICS: THE BACKBONE OF THE NEW STRATEGY 2018

The strategy is divided into eight cross-functional action areas based on the feedback, discussions, priorities and challenges expressed by social and economic stakeholders. The summaries for each of the eight major action areas specify the strategic challenges and define a clear stance and course of action for standardization stakeholders;

They represent a roadmap with documented objectives for the period covered by the strategy. Eight topics 11

Energy transition

Goals to be achieved Topic description and analysis of influence and issues: objectives: Energy is an integral part of everyday The goal is to promote and defend life, whether for heating our homes, French positions and ensure that all powering our equipment and vehicles, Strategic elements for strategic programs are consistent or manufacturing the products that we within the European standardization consume. Individual nations and French stakeholders: bodies, which represent a strategic Europe alike have pledged to reduce Work must adopt a quantitative platform for discussing, consulting on energy consumption and greenhouse approach to energy efficiency in and furthering standardization gas emissions. order to assess the potential and the work. Standardization bodies must Energy transition means: solutions for saving energy. This ensure France’s presence in consuming in a more efficient man- should help develop global energy Europe’s strategic bodies, pursue ner by saving energy (fewer fossil performance by taking into account and support Europe-wide discus- fuels, less energy-intensive means of standardization work in the different sions through dedicated focus transport, greater thermal comfort and sectors, such as energy manage- groups and finally forge a network of higher efficiency in industry); ment, energy performance of buil- European experts by spreading the using alternative production dings, energy efficiency of industrial word about the European standardi- methods that protect the environment systems, transport, industrial pro- zation program and the actions (more local resources, more renewable cesses, energy storage and smart spearheaded by the “Energy Mana- energies and less waste); management. gement” Sector Forum. moving society forward through In particular, efforts must be made to empowering projects (cooperative manage electrical grids with greater projects for producing energy, innova- flexibility andimprove every link in tive services, etc.); the chain, from producers through to creating jobs in the construction consumers. industry and the new sectors of the Furthermore, work aimed at increa- future; sing the proportion of renewables qualifying interfaces to ensure effi- in the energy mix should be priori- cient assembly of society’s basic goods. tized.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 12 Eight topics

Silver economy *

Topic description and issues: Generational demographic effects and longer life expectancy: these two phenomena combined, a first in the history of mankind, have brought French society face-to-face with a number of challenges. In 2014, France had 16 million people aged 60 and over. That number will increase to 20 million in 2030. The issue of accompanying this change in society underlies the silver economy, which aims to encourage innovations to support the ageing process and reduce the loss of independence. This sector harbours tremendous potential in terms of economic benefits and jobs for a significant number of business sectors.

Strategic elements for French stakeholders: The idea is to foster communication between the various communities working in the silver economy and thereby identify needs, prioritize actions and prepare society as early as today. Population ageing is frequently mentioned as one of the background elements in standards, not to mobilize or identify new or specific requirements, but tostress the importance of the target audience concerned and justify the value of pursuing work in that particular area. Developments specifically concerning the over-60s are highlighted in practically every sector of the economy, especially services and topics relating to employability. The silver economy represents a major interest for the construction industry, with the specific problems relating to the end of the housing cycle when people wish to comfortably live out their final years at home.

Goals to be achieved and analysis of influence objectives: The report published in 2015 under the title “Standardization: a strategic tool for the silver economy” as well as the documents mapping the different stages in an individual’s life course identify all the needs for which a response is required. Areas such as fundamental human needs, living environment, health and services represent high-potential markets. Universal design also deserves to be promoted, since it often addresses the problems mentioned above. Nine key sectors have been identified: food & drink, transport, housing, workplace, health and social welfare, financial services, leisure, sports and tourism, consumer goods and information technologies. The aim is to develop a standardization program that maintains a cross-functional vision of the subject during standardization and helps the different sectors with their future normative developments. Furthermore, although France already has a strong set of assets, several initiatives will need to be monitored and coordinated at the national, European and international levels.

* The Silver Economy is the name of an industrial sector launched in France in 2013. Also known as the market for seniors, it concerns all products and services for people over the age of 60. According to a more formal definition: “these are all the products and services that are expected to improve life expectancy without disability or provide everyday help to dependent elderly people and their caregivers.”

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Eight topics 13

Circular economy

Topic description and issues: External constraints, climate change, growing world population, and access to raw materials, water and energy are forcing us to review our growth models. The idea is to foster economic growth without depleting natural resources by creating innovative products, services, business models and public policies, in order to move away from a linear economy and instead create a new circular economy based on a closed loop approach to products, services, waste, materials, water and energy. The circular economy invites industry to review material and product flows in liaison with local stakeholders. In terms of materials, the aim is to tackle waste, especially food waste, and encourage reuse and recycling. With respect to products and services, the idea is to promote eco-design, extend lifecycles and encourage repairs, reuse, recycling and sharing throughout the lifecycle. This obviously represents a major source of competitive advantages for industry.

Strategic elements for French stakeholders: France’s Energy Transition Act and 2025 Waste Reduction Plan herald a turning point in the development of the circular economy at every level. These goals are part of a more general policy focusing on effective resource management. The European Commission has pushed the issue to the top of the agenda, which confirms the need to review standardization’s suitability as an instrument for supporting the implementation of the circular economy. Stakeholders must think about how standardization and legislation can work together, especially on waste management and the development of shared concepts, and within the framework of Horizon 2020 research projects. Environmental product declarations, water reuse, lifecycle assessments and the development of the functional economy are priorities.

Goals to be achieved and analysis of influence objectives: Initiatives should be carried out to assess the need for standardizing concepts, terminology, effectiveness measurements, waste characterization, lifecycle and reuse at the European and even international level. Empowering all interested parties to take part in such initiatives and participate in standardization work is a major challenge. The objectives during the period of this strategy are to establish France’s reputation as a leading force in this particular subject on a European and international level and address the needs of the strategic committee for the eco-industries (CSF).

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 14 Eight topics

Digital economy

Topic description and issues: A revolution is underway, fuelled by the increasing number of smart objects and the growing importance of information and communication technologies in the business sectors. The challenges of digital technologies are a key feature of all major discussions about the changes sweeping society and its need to adapt. The development of the digital economy elicits strong ambitions about its ability to drive growth, but it also raises fears about the uses of digital technologies due to the established risk of cybercrime and the potential abuses, including false consumer reviews, misuse of personal information and the traces that everyone leaves behind on the Internet. Trust and reliability need to be improved among consumers and companies in a bid to develop uses and increase the reliability of the Internet. Special care should also be directed towards interfaces and ergonomic design, as well as the impacts on organizations and working conditions.

Strategic elements for French stakeholders: Standardization has the potential to provide a strong contribution to the harmonized implementation of French and European public policies. Standardization must help improve coordination of initiatives aimed at collecting, transmitting, managing, structuring, modelling, processing, disseminating, storing and protecting information. As far as the Internet of Things (IoT) is concerned, French stakeholders have adopted a strong position on a global level. Standardization must also support measures designed to ensure physical and virtual safety through cybersecurity. From a wider perspective, this topic touches upon the issues of the cloud and big data, which require further investigation.

Goals to be achieved and analysis of influence objectives: Promote the recognition of the standard relating to reliable online consumer reviews developed by French stakeholders. Pursue work associated with calls from the European Commission to protect privacy in security systems. Keep a close eye on international developments relating to the protection of privacy. Set up a standardization commission for the Internet of Things. Help establish interoperability guidelines for smart objects and the resulting standards, and coordinate activities with international organizations.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Eight topics 15

Collaborative economy & sharing economy

tition between stakeholders; protection for consumers; Topic description and issues: definition of responsibilities among intermediaries - networ- king platforms and fora. Trust underlies the development of Streamlined costs, reduced expenditure, tense this economy. economic conditions, increasing environmental concerns and the growth of responsible consumption indicate that this is a long-term phenomenon, with potential opportunities and prospective investments for companies in new practices, which implies monetary tran- Goals to be achieved sactions at reduced prices and culminating in new high- and analysis of influence growth markets. objectives: Standardization stakeholders are increasingly faced with the Strategic elements growth of this economic sector. They have seen new challenges emerge as society moves from a product eco- for French stakeholders: nomy to a service economy: New uses, standards focu- Public authorities have yet to truly take sing on demand rather than supply, the need for product into account the emerging phenome- safety and traceability, inclusion of “consum’actors” and the non of the collaborative economy. safety of used products have already been identified as pro- To date, many initiatives have merely been in response to mising topics. pressure from economic sectors that feel threatened by France has a number of leading players in this area. these new models, which has the effect of jeopardizing Objective during the period: become a leading force for innovation and benefiting powerful, well-established eco- emerging needs and discussions. nomic players. No real measures have been taken to anticipate the changes that lie ahead. Nevertheless, the collaborative economy raises a number of issues that will need to be addressed in the future: consideration of the income generated by private individuals through the collaborative economy; creation of fair compe-

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 16 Eight topics

Sustainable and smart cities

Topic description and issues: Strategic elements for French Introducing information and communication technologies stakeholders: into cities paves the way for improving existing services The future of smart and sustainable cities will depend on the and implementing new functionality, as well as offering new ability of a city, irrespective of size (whether a rural town or a ways of managing and governing the cities of tomorrow’s metropolis), to become intelligent by adopting new forms of world. governance, encouraging user uptake of the new systems The objectives for smart cities follow on from the goals for and identifying viable business models to support develop- sustainable cities. Their main characteristics are as follows: ment. Urban planning and connected cities are priorities. manage resources more efficiently; Mobility issues, if related to town planning and urban deve- build user-oriented systems; lopment, are worthy of closer investigation, in liaison with manage assets; territories and communities in the broadest sense of the prioritize a design approach that takes the sustainability word; electro-mobility and autonomous vehicles are one of of the built environment into account; the priority areas. adopt a systems-based approach to the city that Furthermore, smart grids must play a role in raising the per- highlights interactions between the different components formance of the electrical energy chain, from generation (such as transport, energy, buildings and water). through to storage, metering and distribution, as well as Smart and sustainable cities can only be developed with home energy management using interoperable tools. support from construction professionals that have incorpo- Analyzing fail-over systems, electrical outages, electronic rated the full potential of digital technologies, especially failures and computer attacks is also a key issue. building information modelling.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 17

Goals to be achieved and analysis defend the Sustainable development in communities international technical committee and its position against other of influence objectives: initiatives (smart cities, urban indicators, etc.) or against A concerted effort must be made with this recent topic to: other international organizations (OECD, World Bank, UNEP, ensure that the normative documents produced in etc.); France build on the initiatives that the French government ensure the consistency of the strategic directions of the and the European Community have been pursuing for French-led “Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communi- several years for defining and implementing a proactive ties” European coordination group, monitor its stance in policy to promote sustainable development in communi- relation to the associated developments (smart grids, smart ties. Standardization work must take a balanced and water grids, and so on) and ensure that the objectives and critical look adopting a multidisciplinary approach by scopes for these topics are sufficiently accurate; focusing on ways to improve resilience and sustainability, promote France’s vision of “sustainable and smart cities” and share a consistent set of indicators at the internatio- in the international arena; raise awareness of France’s views nal level; on smart water among the international community.

Factory of the future

Topic description and issues: “The factory of the future is a generic concept that builds on the general awareness that the manufacturing industry plays an important role in a country’s national wealth. The factory of the future addresses several types of transition at the same time, such as energy, ecological, digital, organizational and social transitions. Each transition requires several new technologies or organizational models that are reaching maturity, under development or in the design stages. The idea is to support and guide companies in transforming their business models, their organizational structures and their design and marketing processes in a world where digital technologies are breaking down the dividing wall between industry and services. The new factory model has been designed to form the backbone of its ecosystem and respond to society’s new needs: an innovative, competitive, high-performance, safe and attractive factory; a customer-oriented factory capable of guaranteeing product quality and traceability, and delivering end- to-end solutions with the associated services;

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 18 Eight topics

a factory networked with its suppliers and customers, which is capable of easily adapting its value chain to reflect changes in marketplaces and technologies; an agile factory featuring flexible production methods and reconfigurable production assets that are developed using virtual simulation and optimization tools, and which is capable of providing long-lasting individua- lized products and services at attractive prices in small and medium quantities; a clean and silent factory engaged with its industrial ecosystem and which makes efficient use of raw materials and energy; a factory that uses automation and collaborative robots to prevent people from carrying out arduous or repetitive tasks and instead allow them to use their cognitive functions to serve quality, innovation and deploy- ment of an agile manufacturing strategy; a factory that takes advantage of the Internet of Things and the Cloud to control production using actual objects and provide an accurate record of all operations.*

Strategic elements for French stakeholders: The factory of the future concept is being developed in a number of countries (such as Factory 4.0 in Germany or Smart factory)… In France, the concept is receiving special emphasis in the project entitled Industry of the Future – the Nine Industrial Solutions. This project is led by a new association called “Alliance pour l’Industrie du Futur” [Alliance for the Industry of the Future]. Eleven priority topics have been identified and chosen: the digital production chain, integration of non-des- tructive testing into the production chain, new agile manufacturing processes - including additive manufacturing -, industrial and transfer robots, cobots, augmented reality, organizations’ energy efficiency and environmental footprint, use of composites and new materials, the circular economy - including the recovery and reuse of materials - organization, scheduling and logistics, and man-machine interfaces.

Goals to be achieved and analysis of influence objectives: Standardization needs, which may be diverse, will be identified for these 11 topics: need for harmonized terminology, measuring tools, methodological tools, technology transfers, qualification of personnel and associated services… A proactive strategy may consequently be established. In terms of the topics subject to standardization work, the aim will be to collect information on the normative environment; in other words, identify the main industrial stakeholders as well as their challenges and requirements. Clearly identify the responsibilities of French stakeholders at the international level and the standardization work for developing the topic. Analyze and, if applicable, prepare new subject proposals or create a new technical committee. Increase expert presence and forge partnerships if necessary.

* Source: Alliance pour l’Industrie du Futur

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Eight topics 19

Services Topic description and issues: The proof is in the figures, which speak for themselves: nine million jobs, 80 % of jobs created in 2013 and over 60 % of household expenditure involve service activities in France! These figures may paint a clear picture, but the vitality of the service industry is also apparent in the immeasurable number of innovations that have been pioneered to make everyday life easier. The phenomenon goes even further with the emergence of new practices spawned by the new roles played by consumers and digital technologies, including the sharing, usage and referral economies, the circular economy, and new disruptive business models driven and sometimes imposed by the major digital platforms. Finally, services have highlighted the importance of the customer experience and its specific measurement method, which are essential for organizations looking to improve their performance and increase their competitive advantage. This new world aims to be a hybrid, rather than an exclusive world. It has no intention of opposing or driving a wedge between industry and services, the public and private sectors, consumers and professionals, but instead aims to promote a cross-functional approach, synergies and shared, integrated solutions.

Strategic elements for French stakeholders: Since service development is a broad-spectrum issue, such development accompanies the changes affecting society. To date, standardization in the services sectors has mainly addressed issues of market structuring, marketing of services and performance of organizations. It is an instrument for disseminating and harmonizing best practices and has enabled certain sectors to break free from the lowest bid approach. The challenge is to provide reference documents to address new trends, provide high-quality services and improve customer relationships, even during abnormal operating conditions. Goals to be achieved and analysis of influence objectives: Standardization provides benchmarks that have been reached by consensus between all stakeholders and helps structure service markets, develop best professional practices and protect consumers. The white paper, entitled “How should services be standardized?” and published in 2015, led to five recommendations: list and analyze the standardization needs associated with the new trends identified or that reflect an expectation on the part of markets and consumers, and specify high-potential business sectors; support the services sectors in their understanding and appropriation of standardization; propose normative solutions appropriate to the diversity of the sectors, market development and the maturity, size and exposure to competition, particularly abroad, of the organizations involved; identify and develop standardization projects that combine products and services; promote initiatives and strengthen French contributions to the European and international standardization of services by involving all stakeholders. In 2015, these recommendations were translated into action plans involving all stakeholders concerned by services: especially with France’s participation in the new European technical committee on “Services”, which will prepare horizontal service standards applicable to service contracts, procurement and performance assessments.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 20 Eight cross-functional key action areas

EIGHT CROSS-FUNCTIONAL KEY ACTION AREAS IDENTIFIED IN THE DIRECTIONS OF THE STRATEGIC COMMITTEES

The main Strategic Committees concerned by Link with the Ministry for the Economy’s the key action areas “Industry of the Future and the Nine Industrial Solutions” project

Energy Agriculture & food • Construction and urban planning • Electrotechnology • New resources • Sustainable cities transition • Environment and social responsibility • Gas • Water cycle • Oil • Eco-mobility • Transport of tomorrow • Occupational health & safety • Rational use of energy. • Industry of the future

Silver Agriculture & food • Consumer goods, sport - leisure • Construction and urban • Medicine of the future economy planning • Digital communication and information • Management and services • Transport of tomorrow • Sustainable cities • Healthcare and social welfare • Occupational safety & health • Transport • Digital trust • Smart objects and logistics.

The Circular Agriculture & food • Consumer goods, sport - leisure • Construction and urban • New resources • Sustainable cities economy planning • Environment and social responsibility • Industrial engineering, • Transport of tomorrow equipment and materials • Gas • Water cycle • Oil • Rational use of energy. • Industry of the future

The Digital Note: Since this is a multi-sector topic, all the strategic committees are • Medicine of the future • Smart objects economy concerned, and the Digital communication and information strategic • Data economy • Digital trust • Smart food committee acts as supervisor and coordinator. • Industry of the future

Collaborative Agriculture & food • Consumer goods, sport - leisure • Construction and urban • Digital trust economy planning • Electrotechnology • Environment and social responsibility • Digital communication and information • Management and services • Occupational safety & health • Transport and logistics • Rational use of energy.

Sustainable Agriculture & food • Construction and urban planning • Environment and • Sustainable cities • Smart objects and smart social responsibility • Water cycle • Digital communication and information • Digital trust • Eco-mobility cities • Management and services • Occupational safety & health • Transport and • Transport of tomorrow logistics • Rational use of energy.

Factory of Agriculture & food • Construction and urban planning • Electrotechnology • New resources the future • Environment and social responsibility • Gas • Digital communication and • Digital trust information • Industrial engineering, Equipment and materials • Occupational • Industry of the future safety & health • Rational use of energy.

Services Note: since this is a multi-sector topic, all the strategic committees are • Sustainable cities • Transport of tomorrow concerned. The Management and services strategic committee acts as • Data economy • Smart objects supervisor and coordinator. • Digital trust

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Specific topics 21 SPECIFIC TOPICS Several specific topics considered to be of strategic value are presented below. These topics are also specified in the Industry of the Future and the Nine Industrial Solutions plan: Nanotechnologies Contribution to safe, healthy and sustainable food Drones Technical textiles and new smart materials Medicine of the future

Nanotechnologies Contribution to safe, tive advantage given the development of the international food trade. Harmo- Nanotechnologies constitute a major healthy and sustainable food nizing the analytical methods and ensu- technological and economic challenge ring their reliability is also a key econo- for the 21st century, with a vast number Along with security, food quality and supply mic issue. of applications already in use. However, represents one of the major expectations action must be taken now to address among consumers. Clear information the environmental and health risks that Drones about the product’s characteristics, com- may be associated with handling and position and origin can help fulfil this need. using these materials and encourage Civil drones have undergone exponen- In this respect, work is extending to society’s acceptance of these techno- tial growth in a number of sectors. encompass organizational standards in logies. France’s Council for Civil Aeronautics an effort to assist companies in coping Standardization can support the growth Research has identified several priori- with the growing number of regulatory of nanotechnologies by allowing users ties, including new production methods, requirements. to enjoy their benefits while protecting research into quieter and more fuel-ef- Guaranteeing food safety, improving against any adverse effects. It can also ficient designs, and the development of product quality and encouraging free- help transfer scientific knowledge from higher-performance control systems. flowing trade to tackle trade barriers laboratories to industry. Standardization must address both the must be prioritized. drone’s technical specifications and the Finally, the production industry faces a way in which it is used in air space, major challenge of gaining a competi- which also concerns public safety.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 22 Specific topics

In June 2015, a new subcommittee new production, finishing and assembly driven by the European Commission for with a US secretariat was created within technologies and making effective use the purpose of supporting French views the Aircraft and space vehicles ISO of new digital tools. within the standardization commis- technical committee. A French mirror The primary objective is to step up the sions. presence of France and especially structure was set up to take part in the French business in international stan- work, specifically for defining the appli- dardization groups, which frequently cable terminology and the technical raises difficulties since French industry classifications. often consists of SMEs and mid-cap companies. Technical textiles and new smart materials Medicine of the future The textile industry, a figurehead of the Quality of healthcare services, medical first industrial revolution, currently har- systems and new health equipment, bours tremendous potential for the development of biotechnologies, health- future. Tomorrow’s textiles and new care products and the emergence of materials, which are more technologi- medical information systems and digital cally advanced and environmentally hospitals are part of the innovative friendly, have invaded every part of daily challenges that lie ahead for the health life, including sport, buildings, health- industry. Standardization stakeholders care, transport and civil engineering. are acting on a topic that has already The scientific breakthroughs achieved through technical textiles and new/ been adopted by the highest levels, smart materials have sparked a trend such as the National Health Strategy for innovation encompassing every sec- pioneered by the government, the tor of industry. Healthcare Industries and Technologies The three main development areas for contract, and the “Medical solution of the sectors involved in textiles and new the future” as part of the “Industry of the smart materials are as follows: Future – New Industrial France” project. ensure a successful ecological transi- These are just some of the projects creation by controlling and disseminating ting a strong dynamic for the French the use of bio-based and recyclable textiles (such as hemp), and the use of stakeholders already involved in France recycled fibres and new materials for and abroad. different applications; The goal is to strengthen France’s posi- take advantage of the opportunities tion, in particular our presence within inherent in the digital revolutions and European organizations, and focus nanotechnologies through smart and groups in order to defend a coordinated innovative textiles and materials; vision of French interests. A close eye develop the factory of the future (tex- must also be kept on the changes to tiles and new materials) by leveraging European legislation and standards

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 23

KEY PROGRESS AREAS FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

Discussions, consultations and brainstorming sessions have produced projects proposals to be carried out and courses of action to be prioritized.

Respond to the expectations of society, reinforcing the drive for efficiency and simplification; making a special effort to qualify the catalogue of normative citizens, users and consumers: documents and ensuring its relevance; address the issues of employment, social cohesion, societal developing coordination between standardization security and ageing; stakeholders and public authorities. consistently anticipate and minimize risks for occupational health; Empower stakeholders and partners, encourage initiatives allowing consumers to consume in a particularly by: more responsible manner. facilitating the initiative, contribution, participation and feedback of all stakeholders; Help industry achieve a competitive improving customer focus and service quality; paying close attention to microbusinesses, SMEs and mid-cap advantage and support the performance of companies; the French economy. promoting the investment of standardization experts. Use technologies to address the needs Strengthen the effectiveness of the and expectations of standardization French standardization system, especially by: stakeholders. pursuing continual improvement processes;

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 24 Key progress areas for effective implementation

of their affiliated category of interest, support, promote and defend France’s defined positions in the European and international orga- Enhance the potential synergies nizations in which they take part; an effective attitude during standardization meetings. Dele- between standardization and public gates/experts need to develop in-depth knowledge of standardi- procurement. zation rules at the European and international levels in order to reach the best outcome for the team that appointed them; improve recognition of this major function within the com- Form partnerships with bodies pany: “product and service standardization”. This function developing reference documents. must be recognized and promoted, especially its strategic value in achieving a mid/long-term return on investment; anticipation, preparation and organization. Preparations for Mention should be made of the standardization begin before industrialization. A topic is considered to be a priority if the organization already has a head-start in importance of defending the French the field or the topic itself is strategic; language, which represents a source of presence in all interest groups. The contents of a standard influence. are not defined exclusively in a standardization commission, but also in liaison with European and international associations, committees and lobby groups; Strengthen the effectiveness of training for delegates/experts, secretaries and project the collective action taken by French managers. Two abilities are required to assume these responsibilities: “technical” abilities and the ability to negotiate in English in stakeholders in European and international the standardization community; standardization activities. This action transparency and openness in times of intense economic competition. The aim is to improve the relevance of French posi- includes several topics: tions in terms of content and allow a wide range of stakeholders all delegates and experts must be made aware of the need to to anticipate, take part in and engage with the future standard; share feedback and take operational action to empower the support for policy and public authorities. Standardization appropriate bodies. To achieve this aim, information and commu- action on subjects with the greatest strategic value for employ- nication processes must be established, known and used; ment and competitiveness cannot afford to ignore political invol- the solidarity of the French team. After freely expressing their vement. The legislature could make greater use of AFNOR’s stan- thoughts and views at the national level, especially during French dards, especially as part of its policy to simplify regulatory mirror group/committee meetings, all team members, irrespective standards.

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 Evaluation & adaptability through dynamic management 25 EVALUATION & ADAPTABILITY THROUGH DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT

In keeping with standardiza- tive changes according to the also adapt to the challenges tion’s role and the expected eight key strategic areas. The inherent in a constantly-chan- benefits, the strategy’s validity findings of the analysis will be ging world. and performance could be presented and discussed Managing the strategy is there- assessed according to its ability halfway through the process fore a dynamic process that to respond to prospective inno- and again at the end of the will likely involve revisions to the vative needs by providing the strategy in 2018, in consulta- strategy, with global objectives tools for developing and struc- tion with stakeholders, industry fine-tuned as topics become and the operators of the French increasingly mature and as new The strategy’s validity and standardization system. At the topics emerge. same time, the strategy will be performance could be assessed assessed during strategic semi- according to its ability to respond to nars held by the Standardization prospective innovative Coordination and Steering Committee to determine whether objectives are appro- turing the markets for the chosen priate, while assessing the pro- topics, while addressing both gress of the strategy and refo- economic aspects and all issues cusing if necessary. Social and relating to health, the environ- economic stakeholders involved ment and society in general. in standardization intend to Identifying and analyzing the manage the strategy. This sco- “strong signals” and “weak ping exercise is aimed at giving signals” emitted within standar- the process greater structure dization organizations and the and defining the trajectory to normative ecosystem can help guide standardization work. characterize positive and nega- However, standardization must

French standardization strategy 2016 2018 26

STANDARDIZATION A framework for progress FOR ALL

Find the French standardization strategy on:

www.francenormalisation.fr AFNOR Normalisation 11, rue Francis de Pressensé – 93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis cedex - France Tel.: +33 (0)1 41 62 80 00 • Fax: +33 (0)1 49 17 90 00

French standardization strategy 2016 2018