Using the toolkit

The funding model of NSBs

As for most activities, the funding model is critical. In many countries, the NSB is largely financed directly by government. In such cases, it is probably easier to allocate resources for similar activities. If this is not the case, and if the respective NSB is without governmental support, other funding model(s) might be needed. This is something that must be assessed by the respective NSBs. Some measures can be done more efficiently if several NSBs join forces, share knowledge, and work together.

No one perfect solution

One universally applicable solution does not exist. There are differences between countries, governments, markets, NSBs, business models etc. But there are also some commonalities identified:

• Involvement of professional organisations in awareness, information, and participation is essential; Information is best developed in collaboration with professional organizations, chambers of commerce etc.
• The focus towards SMEs should be on awareness and information. The majority of SMEs is only interested in this. A minority of individual SMEs might be interested in participating. Participation should be targeted more towards professional organisations.
• A single point of contact for SMEs per sector is important. Most often professional organizations (amongst others; Branch organization, non-governmental exporters help, chamber of commerce) are the main contact or starting point for searching.
• Awareness, information and participation should focus on practical problems and not be approached from the standardization point of view.
• Awareness, information, and participation require investment in time and resources to explain the relation between practice and problems and translate suggestions from SMEs into European and national standards.
• Regional presentations are important to reach SMEs. Combine general information on the topic 'Standards and standardization’ with a theme targeted to the audience.

Dynamic system

The toolkit is meant to be a dynamic knowledge system. This means experiences need to be shared and added to the system.
No new tools: the toolkit consists mainly of already existing 'best practices'. The intention is not to develop new 'best practices', but to select, and amend if necessary, existing 'best practices'.