The Standards Development Lifecycle
IEEE Standards are developed using a time-tested, effective, and trusted process that is easily explained in a six stage lifecycle.
The Six Stages
Initiating the Project
Mobilizing the Working Group
Balloting the Standard
Gaining Final Approval
Overview: What are standards?
Policies: What are our guidelines?
Governance: Who oversees the process?
Process: How are standards made?
Standards are the foundations of social wellbeing in an age of globalization and convergence across traditional technology and market boundaries.
Standardization provides the foundation on which technology innovation is based. It enables more complex solutions to be developed at a better cost structure. Standards drive technological innovation, fuel growth of global markets, expand consumer choice, support interoperability and help protect the health and public safety of workers and the general public.
The IEEE standards development process is rooted in consensus, due process, openness, right to appeal and balance. It adheres to and supports the principles and requirements of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations. In particular, the IEEE operates in active agreement with the WTO principle that standards should not create unnecessary obstacles to trade, and whenever appropriate, should specify requirements in terms of performance rather than design or descriptive characteristics.
IEEE SA Training + Development
A Working Group Chair Fundamentals online course on the IEEE SA standards development process is now available for free. This course not only provides Working Group Chairs with the fundamentals needed to chair a working group but also provides information to Working Group participants or anyone interested in participating in IEEE Standards about the process.