Standardization
Research Trends, Current Debates, and Interdisciplinarity
Filippo Grillo (Eindhoven University of Technology, TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Paul Moritz Wiegmann (Eindhoven University of Technology)
Henk J. de Vries ( Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)
Rudi Bekkers (Eindhoven University of Technology)
Stefano Tasselli ( Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, University of Exeter)
Amin Yousefi ( Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Geerten van de Kaa (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)
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Abstract
Standards are ubiquitous in contemporary society and play a clear role in technological development, organizational functioning, and business success. Standards are very diverse and often boundary crossing in terms of stakeholders and impact, but are such diversity and range reflected by academic studies? We take stock of standardization research over the past decade, considering the full interdisciplinary breadth of this growing field. We use bibliometrics and network analysis to map emergent trends, and conduct an in-depth review of the literature. In doing so, we find that management science, along with economics, is at the core of work on standardization, bridging academic disciplines, and leading theoretical development. Technical disciplines, such as engineering and computer science, supply the largest body of literature, but rarely cross disciplinary boundaries and remain rather isolated. Building on our review, we discuss current debates and controversies and distill four interpretative perspectives on the recent and current developments of standardization research. Finally, we propose a research agenda for standardization research and practice for the years to come.