Transforming Standards Development Organizations: The Case for Software-Enhanced Deliberative Processes

Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) play a crucial role in creating and maintaining the standards that shape industries, technologies, and practices worldwide. From establishing safety protocols to defining technical specifications, the work of these organizations promotes interoperability, innovation, and trust across various sectors. However, the process of developing standards is inherently complex, requiring collaboration among diverse stakeholders, transparent decision-making, and rigorous adherence to established procedures. Without clear and consistent processes, SDOs potentially risk inefficiencies, disagreements, and diminished credibility in their outputs. Given these challenges, standardization within SDOs may provide great benefits.