From time to time, we hear complaints from SMEs, especially in developing and emerging countries, about the costs of acquiring technical standards. This is especially true for the international standards of ISO and IEC or their national adaptations.
Continue readingCentral American success model
Costa Rica is a small, innovative country in Central America. Long ago, the government decided to abstain from having an army and instead invested in environmental protection and technological innovation.[1] Costa Rica has evolved from a developing country to an industrialised economy. In May 2020, it became the 38thmember of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). [2]
Continue readingMalpractice in global supply chains
Repeatedly, suppliers in global value chains tolerate human rights violations and environmentally unfriendly practices.
Continue readingImportance of extrinsic quality requirements
When shopping, consumers are, first of all, concerned that food is hygienically safe and free of harmful substances. These intrinsic properties can be checked directly with the product, e.g. by laboratory testing. Despite occasionally occurring non-conformities and food scandals, in general, food management systems, product standards and controls ensure the necessary food safety and product quality.
Continue readingQuality infrastructure originated in the Northern Hemisphere
The development of (what we today call) Quality Infrastructure (QI) is closely linked to the development of trade relations between different countries. The countries of the Northern Hemisphere started to develop metrology, standards and conformity assessment already during the early phase of industrialisation. Due to the dynamically growing trade links, these countries were required to harmonise their respective systems.
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