Next Generation DKE Standardization Regulars' Table: On the importance of conformity assessment and international cooperation

The 14th regulars' table on standardization to kick off the year 2023 was a very special event, as it was the first bilateral regulars' table held in cooperation of DKE with AFNOR-CEF (Association Française de Normalisation - Comité Electrotechnique Français) and young professionals from Germany and France. The motto of the evening was: Conformity assessment and international cooperation - that fits!

After a warm welcome by Mareen Tiedemann, who is the moderator of the regulars' table, the group had time to get to know each other. Afterwards, the group moved on to the content part of the meeting, which inspired the participants to a lively discussion.

Guest speaker Pierre Selva, who has more than 30 years of experience in standardization and currently works at Schneider Electrics, gave the participants interesting insights into the topic of conformity assessment. He explained the benefits and impact of conformity assessment on the safety, energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the products we use every day. He also addressed the interplay between conformity assessment, market surveillance and standardization, emphasizing how good interaction promotes the opening of markets and adaptation to European standards. At the same time, he drew attention to the risks of non-compliant products and the increasing ageing of electronic equipment installed decades ago in European households.

After a lively exchange and many in-depth questions, the first bilateral regulars' table ended with a big thank you to the guest speaker Pierre Selva. The successful cooperation between DKE and AFNOR is to be continued in the future and paves the way for further bilateral standardization regulars' tables.

The regulars‘ table was founded in the beginning of 2021. Since then, it has found its fixed place in the heart of the German Next Generation DKE program. How to use the format of the regulars’ table to foster networking, learning and having fun, is part of the „Dreamguide“ project, Mareen is leading on international level as IEC YP Leader. 

The regulars' table team - Annette, Mareen and Alena - are looking forward to the continuation of the German-language regulars' table on March 14 with Luzie Kromer and an insight into the work of the German Standards Panel! 

Next Generation DKE

Next Generation DKE is the next generation network for all of the topics related to the future of standardization at DKE. Inspired by the IEC Young Professional Programme, DKE has launched the "Next Generation DKE" initiative with the aim of strengthening the influence of young people at DKE.