Standards steer global trade and geopolitics: A national strategic vision

Standards Australia CEO Rod Balding will deliver a keynote address at Accreditation Matters 2025, in July, outlining the strategic role of standards in global trade, geopolitics, national interests. He will explore how countries, including Australia, can leverage standards to shape global norms, secure long-term market access, and enhance regional trade.

Speaking at Australia’s leading accreditation conference, Rod will discuss the nation’s leadership in standardisation across emerging sectors such as AI, quantum, climate-resilient energy, and 6G technology and talk about the value of standardisation as a multi-industry tool used to boost trade.

“As global trade becomes more complex and digital, standards are evolving from technical tools into instruments of strategic influence. Countries are using standards to advance national interests, shape global norms and secure long-term market access, and Australia is at the forefront,” he explains.

With the international standards system facing increasing pressure from technological, political and structural forces, there’s a need for a more agile and interdisciplinary approach to standards development and conformity assessment.

“Australia’s ability to shape and respond to international standardisation will be critical to our long-term economic resilience and sovereignty,” Rod added.

Key sessions and speakers

Australia's Technical Infrastructure Alliance – Leaders Panel

Kareen Riley-Takos, Standards Australia Chief of Engagement, Standards and International Relations, will join Jennifer Evans (NAA), Jan Herrmann (National Measurement Institute), and Alan Cook (JASANZ) to discuss the Australian Technical Infrastructure Alliance’s role supporting trade, accreditation, and conformance infrastructure for domestic consumers.

Standards Supporting Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Infrastructure

Industry experts will explore the roles of key national organisations in enabling the hydrogen economy. Speakers include:

• George Sfinas, Engagement Manager, Standards Australia
• Paul McMullen, Sector Manager Calibration, NATA
• Dr. Damien Smeulders, Director of Reference Gases, National Measurement Institute
• Wodek Jakubik, Innovations Manager, Coregas

Consumer representation in standards development

Ben Russell, Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, and Steph Tonkin, CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre, will discuss the growing importance of consumer representation in standards development. The session will focus on the impact of consumer advocacy, emphasising the role of collaboration with the Consumers Federation of Australia in shaping more inclusive and effective standards.

The Importance of standards in button batteries and AI

A panel led by Steph Tonkin will explore how standards ensure consumer safety and trust, focusing on button batteries and AI. Panelists include:

• Catriona Lowe, Deputy Chair, ACCC
• Ashley de Silva, CEO, CHOICE
• Ben Russell, Engagement Manager, Standards Australia

Join the conversation

Standards Australia will join over 500 industry leaders, experts, and decision-makers at ICC Sydney for two days (July 30-31) of thought leadership, networking, and future-focused insights.

🔗 Register here: Accreditation Matters 2025