Ethics and (pre)standardisation in the area of Disaster Management.
Abstract as pdf
Corresponding Author:
Panagiotis Loukinas
Trilateral Research United Kingdom
panagiotis.loukinas@trilateralresearch.com
Author(s):
This presentation focuses on the relationship between ethics and (pre)standardisation in the area of disaster management. In the context of standardization, there has only been limited discussion around ethical and social aspects, as well as around the impact of standards on different ethical principles and fundamental rights [1]. In particular, this presentation examines the ethical, legal and societal issues that arise during the design, development and implementation of standards that aim to better facilitate the work of first responders. The consideration of these issues at the design stage of (pre)standards, including efforts to ensure the positive impact of standards and the mitigation of any negative implications can lead to responsible standardisation[2] Building on the research conducted within the EU-funded ResiStand and STRATEGY projects, this work aims to develop a framework to assess new proposed standards from an ethical perspective. On the one hand, it looks at how principles such as transparency, openness and sustainability can be applied to the process of developing standards not only during a formal standardisation process but also at a (pre)standardisation level. This includes, for example, the importance of engaging with a diverse number of stakeholders during the development of new standards. On the other hand, the presentation explores how the impact of standardisation items on principles commonly impacted during disaster management activities, such as dignity, privacy and autonomy, can be assessed to ensure these standards are beneficial for various stakeholders and the society as a whole. Following the emphasis given by international and regional standardisation bodies on particular sustainable development goals, issues around social responsibility as well as the impact of standards on gender equality are taking into account. Finally, the relevance of competition law and intellectual property rights that must be respected in the context of standardisation is reiterated.
[1] Gordon, J., & Fomin, V. V. (2019). Ethics and Standardization. In K. Jakobs (Ed.), Corporate Standardization Management and Innovation (pp. 177-192). IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-9008-8.ch009.
[2] Jakobs, K. (2019). Managing Responsible Standardization of Smart Infrastructures and Applications. In K. Jakobs (Eds.), Corporate Standardization Management and Innovation (pp. 193-202). IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1-5225- 9008-8.ch010.
Standardisation in Disaster Risk Management: between operational necessity and political sensitivity