SMEs – the backbone of the European economy

Micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent more than 99% of all European businesses and provide two-thirds of private sector jobs and contribute more than half of the total value added created by businesses in the EU.

This is why we can say that they are the real backbone of Europe’s economy. Standardization contributes to enhancing the key role of SMEs, but most often, the added value of standards is not well known by small businesses.

Therefore, in recent years, the European standardization organizations CEN and CENELEC have decided to address this issue and have stepped up their efforts targeting SMEs and their participation in standardization work.

Why get involved?

  • influence technical requirements in the market;
  • position yourself as leaders in your own sector;
  • save compliance costs;
  • have faster access to information and innovation;
  • help define sustainable and digital practices.

How to get involved?

First steps: essential standards for any SME

Standards are the foundation of solid business – they bring quality, efficiency, safety, and open the way to global markets.

7 standards every company needs

To support SMEs, ASRO has created this collection, a unique package that brings together the essential standards that give you quality, safety and confidence.

The collection covers areas such as:

  • quality management;
  • risk management;
  • risk management and business continuity;
  • social responsibility;
  • information security;
  • occupational health and safety

Find out more about the collection and order here

When standards become part of your strategy

Once you’ve implemented the essential standards and laid the foundation for a strong, competitive, and standards-aligned business, the next step is to turn standards into a strategic tool.

InfoStandard – your digital partner for standardization

Discover InfoStandard and subscribe here

What does InfoStandard offer you?

  • Digital access to the complete ASRO standards catalog;
  • Ability to preview standards before purchase;
  • Automatic notifications when there are updates to your standards;
  • Manage your standards collection in a personalized space;
  • Advanced filters for quick search;
  • Personalized recommendations tailored to your business.

Why is so special InfoStandard?

  • Save time and effort by having all the standards organized in one place;
  • Avoid the risk of using outdated standards with automatic notifications;
  • Better plan for long-term compliance and investment.

Discover InfoStandard and subscribe here

Turn standards into skills – with ASRO support

Learn to use standards like a pro

You have the standards, you apply them, but you want to really understand them and turn them into a strategic advantage? With ASRO courses you learn directly from experienced lecturers how to apply the standards correctly, how to comply with the requirements and how to increase the performance of your organization.

What do we offer?

  • Live, interactive online courses where you can ask questions and learn from lecturers and industry peers;
  • self-study courses for those who want to learn at their own pace, with materials sent home and a final test for a certificate;
  • customized programs designed for your company, tailored to your specific industry and objectives;
  • course materials included, attendance or graduation diploma, as appropriate.

Whatever you want to learn more about, we have the right course for you!

Have more colleagues interested?

ASRO is happy to support you! Write –us or callă–us și îțand make an offeră personalizedăsuitableă your team.

See all available courses here, or call us at 0743168290 – we’ll help you choose what’s right for you.

Take part in standardization!

Want to directly influence the standards that affect your business?
Join one of ASRO’s Technical Committees (TC) and contribute to the development of standards in your field.

Why participate?

  • make your voice heard and represent your company’s interests in standardization;
  • find out in advance about changes in your field;
  • collaborate with experts and other industry professionals;
  • become part of a national network of specialists.

How do you sign up?

It’s simple:

  1. Choose the right technical committee for your field → See list of committees
  2. Fill in the application documents → Become a TC member
  3. Get actively involved in the meetings and contribute your expertise.

If you have any questions, write to us or call us on 021 316 32 96 – we’ll guide you through the application process!

Standards can be more accessible for SMEs when they are drafted according to the recommendations in Guide 17.

ASRO policy for SMEs

The National Standards Body supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by actively promoting the use of standards as strategic tools for development, innovation and competitiveness.

ASRO facilitates SMEs’ access to both existing standards and the process of developing new standards, enabling them to directly influence their technical, quality and sustainability requirements. In this way,

ASRO contributes to strengthening the capacity of SMEs to meet the challenges of the green and digital economy and to their integration into domestic and international markets. Our policy is aligned with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on European Standardization and European best practices in supporting SMEs.

We want SMEs to discover in standards a real support for business development and an opportunity to influence the technical and quality requirements that affect their business.

See here ASRO SME policy

ASRO Reports

2024

European and international initiatives

CEN and CENELEC provide information and tools to help explain the benefits of standards, their use and the conditions for participation in the standards development process.

CEN-CENELEC SME portal

International ISO standards help SMEs reduce costs, increase productivity and access new markets.

ISO SME portal

Discover some of the benefits that international standards can bring to your business.

10 reasons to include standards in your business

The European organisation SBS (Small Business Standards) represents and defends the interests of SMEs in international standardisation work. Here you can find the latest news on the benefits of standards presented through a wide range of informative material (videos, brochures, articles, infographics).

The voice of European SMEs in standardisation

Do you feel ready to be part of standardization governance? Become an ASRO member.