Long-standing friendship enables international dialog at Wuhan University

The DKE was invited by Wuhan University to speak to their students. We were very pleased about this and gladly accepted the offer to further expand our good and cooperative relationship with the People's Republic of China. The DKE was represented by Florian Spiteller, Head of External Relations & Support. He introduced the students to international standardization and presented the stakeholders involved and their roles.

International standards: bypass them or participate?

At the international level, the thought often arises: why not simply bypass international standards? Implementation can be complex at first, often requires specific knowledge, and one has less flexibility. In the short term, this can save time and money.

But anyone familiar with standardization knows that standardization is international. There is a reason for the saying: “Do it once, do it right, do it internationally!” There are some risks involved in circumventing standardization, such as restricted market access, a lack of interoperability, uncertain quality and thus potential customer complaints and loss of reputation, as well as even legal consequences (especially with safety or environmental standards). Overall, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Students with a high level of interest and enjoyment in the discussion

Among other things, the students from Wuhan University learned how international standardization enables innovation and opens doors and markets. Florian Spiteller talked to the students about how standardization is carried out in Germany and why the DKE launched the All Electric Society. A very important point was the question and discussion about the next generation of technical experts – because their commitment is needed to help create standards for a future worth living.

A big thank you to Wuhan University

Our special thanks go to Prof. Jianbin Fan from the Institute for Next Generation Energy Systems and International Standards for our long-standing friendship and for giving us, as the national standardization body for IEC in Germany, the opportunity to speak at the prestigious Wuhan University, which was founded in 1893 and now has around 50,000 students.