The UK must strengthen its influence over the global technology standards that underpin artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation communications if it is to remain internationally competitive, according to new research led by Aston Business School.
The report argues that technical standards should be viewed as a core part of the UK’s innovation and industrial strategy, rather than simply a regulatory or compliance issue.
Global standards determine how emerging technologies are developed, adopted and traded, influencing everything from interoperability and cybersecurity to intellectual property and international market access.
The study, Harnessing Global Standards for Technological Leadership, compares the UK’s position with global technology leaders including the United States and China. Drawing on almost 30 years of data from 19 international standards development organisations, the researchers found that while the US continues to dominate standards participation and China is rapidly expanding its influence in hardware and connectivity technologies, the UK has established strengths in services and market-oriented standards.
However, the report warns that international competition is intensifying and identifies five priorities for strengthening the UK’s position. These include increasing participation in 5G and 6G standards bodies, addressing weaknesses in semiconductor-related standards, supporting SMEs and scale-ups to engage in standards development, investing in emerging areas such as AI, clean energy and health data, and building stronger evidence linking standards participation with innovation and economic growth.
The findings also suggest that businesses actively involved in developing international standards gain measurable commercial advantages. According to the research, participation is associated with a 14% increase in employment and a 34% increase in patent families, indicating stronger innovation performance among participating firms.
The report highlights the growing strategic importance of standards in shaping technology roadmaps, procurement decisions and digital transformation initiatives. As organisations invest in AI, cloud platforms, cybersecurity and advanced connectivity, alignment with internationally recognised standards will become increasingly important for ensuring interoperability, resilience and future scalability.
Professor Cher Li of Aston Business School said: “Standards are often invisible to the public, but they are central to how technologies scale, compete and create economic value. If the UK wants to lead in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy and advanced connectivity, it must treat standards as part of its innovation and industrial strategy.”
The report was produced in collaboration with researchers from Alliance Manchester Business School and Durham University Business School and supported by the Economic and Social Research Council through the Innovation and Research Caucus.
Image Credit: Aston University
