The objective of SMEST2 is to further strengthen and promote the links between SMEs and standardization in terms of awareness of standardization, information on standardization, participation in standardization. 

The SMEST2 project is financed by the European Commission. It will complement the specific actions undertaken by CEN and CENELEC members to implement the findings of the SME Access Study at European level, by offering guidance and practical support. More specifically, it aims at providing an effective and broadly supported dynamic website. On this website, knowledge, information, best practices and experiences can be shared. An important part of the second project will be an improved version of the SME Standardization Toolkit, developed during SMEST1.

Starting point of the new project is an evaluation of SMEST 1. CEN and CENELEC members, who were involved and trained in the first SMEST project, are asked to give their input on how to improve the SME Standardization Toolkit. Additionally, the cooperation between National Standards Bodies, national SME associations and SMEs will be assessed. The project will finish with 2-day workshops in countries that have not been part of SMEST 1 and a closing conference in Brussels in 2013.

Detailed information on the SMEST 2 project and the interactive website, with the improved SME Standardization Toolkit, will be made available via the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre web portal currently under preparation.

Background
Small businesses play a central role in the European economy. They represent 95% of the business in Europe and provide 55% of the total jobs in the private sector. Standards, within the European market, have played an essential role in the building of the internal market, allowing both manufacturers and consumers to benefit from the elimination of technical barriers to trade while fulfilling the essential safety requirements that standardization has always guaranteed. Adequate stakeholder participation is essential to the European standardization process. However, the representation of SMEs in European standardization is often considered insufficient.

Information
Mr. Jappe van der Zwan - e-mail: jappe.vanderzwan@nen.nl
Ms. Andreea Gulacsi - e-mail agulacsi@cencenelec.eu