Geopolitics of ICT Standardisation Focus on the USA

The StandICT.eu Standards Training Academy hosted a webinar diving into the US standardisation strategy of in ICT on 2 Dec 2024 from 18:00 to 19:30 CET.
Introduction
Companies having their headquarters in the United States were very active and successful in setting their company standards, but also having leadership positions at ISO and IEC in the last century. In 2023 the Biden-Harrison administration published the Strategy following the publication of the European Standardisation Strategy in 2022. Meanwhile, concrete plans for the implementation were published.
The webinar was intended to get an updated overview of the US standardisation strategies and activities in general, followed by a closer look at its activities in ICT. Based on this background, we first discussed the opportunities and challenges the US and its big techs in international standardisation. Then, we discussed the implications for the EU before we tried to identify opportunities for further collaboration and joining forces for reciprocal benefits and address global challenges.
Agenda
18:00 Introduction into standardisation and geopolitics with a focus on technological sovereignty, Knut Blind, Fraunhofer ISI & TU Berlin
18:10 United States Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Maria P. Knake, NIST & Jayne Morrow, Montana State University
18:30 Global Technology Standards: Navigating an Evolving Standards Landscape, Mary Saunders, ANSI Senior VP for Government Relations and Public Policy
18:50 US Participation and Leadership in the Development of International Technology Standards - Evidence and Policy Implications, Justus Baron, Northwestern University Center on Law, Business, and Economics
19:10 Q&A
19:30 Conclusion

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The geopolitics of ICT standardization, with a focus on the United States, highlights the strategic importance of setting global standards that shape the future of technology and digital infrastructure. ICT standards dictate how devices communicate, how data is secured, and how networks are built and maintained, impacting everything from economic competitiveness to national security. As the U.S. continues to be a major player in the tech industry, its policies and practices in this area not only influence global markets but also contribute to international power dynamics. One significant aspect is the U.S.'s emphasis on promoting standards that align with its technological and democratic values, such as openness, interoperability, and user privacy. This approach, however, can create friction with other nations or regional blocs that may prioritize different values, such as data sovereignty or state control. For example, China's push for its own technological standards, exemplified by the development of the Digital Silk Road and initiatives like the China Standards 2035 plan, contrasts with the U.S.'s focus and has led to a competitive race for global influence in ICT. The battle for ICT standardization is not just about technological superiority; it is deeply intertwined with economic and political power. The U.S. has leveraged its technological leadership to shape the rules of digital commerce, cybersecurity, and data governance, reinforcing its position as a global leader. However, this has also led to accusations of digital imperialism, where the U.S. seeks to maintain control by promoting standards that favor its own tech giants, such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple, over competitors from other countries. For a balanced and cooperative digital future, it is crucial that international dialogue on ICT standards includes diverse perspectives and prioritizes inclusivity. Multilateral organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), play important roles in fostering cooperation, but their effectiveness depends on member states' willingness to engage in good faith and prioritize collective interests over national ones. As the world moves forward, the U.S. faces the challenge of balancing leadership with cooperation, promoting standards that reflect democratic principles while remaining open to inclusive frameworks that allow other nations to contribute to and benefit from the global digital landscape. This balance will be critical to preventing a fragmented digital world and ensuring that technological growth supports shared prosperity, security, and innovation.