Bringing experts together to develop global standards
ISO is a global network of the world’s leading standardizers, consisting of national standards bodies from 173 countries. Through this network, ISO brings together experts from across the world who collaborate to create International Standards. These standards provide practical solutions for a wide variety of challenges, making products, processes, and services easier, safer, and better.
Supporting members in their standardization work
Beyond developing standards, ISO offers a range of services that support its strategic goals and help its members progress their standardization efforts. These services include:
Raising public awareness about standards and their societal benefits.
Partnering with organizations like the IEC and ITU to promote initiatives such as the annual World Standards Day, which highlights how standards address current societal challenges.
Promoting education on standardization through participation in joint academic programs, supporting members in establishing teaching programs, and maintaining a database of educational resources related to standards.
Providing training and acting as a resource for standards-related research.
Offering various awards to recognize achievements in international standardization.
Types of ISO membership
ISO offers three main types of membership:
Full members: Also called member bodies, these have the right to participate in standard development and strategy through voting and involvement in technical and policy meetings. They also sell and adopt ISO International Standards nationally.
Correspondent members: These can observe standards development and participate as observers in meetings. They sell and adopt ISO standards nationally if they are national entities; otherwise, they sell ISO standards within their territory.
Subscriber members: These members keep up to date with ISO’s work but cannot participate in the development process or sell and adopt standards nationally.
Research, innovation, and knowledge sharing
ISO supports the advancement of standardization through initiatives such as:
The ISO Research Grant and the Innovation Network, which encourage research in standards-related fields.
The ISO Research Library, a repository of knowledge on global trends related to standardization.
Monitoring and analyzing emerging trends to help members respond proactively.
The standards development process
ISO’s process brings together international experts representing manufacturers, users, regulators, and other stakeholders to draft, review, vote on, and publish standards. This ensures that ISO standards meet global needs and contribute effectively across industries and sectors.
Strategic vision
At the core of ISO’s strategy is the commitment to serve its members by fostering the development and adoption of standards used everywhere. This vision guides all activities and ensures that ISO remains relevant in an evolving global landscape.