Standards as catalyst for national innovation and performance – A capability assessment framework for latecomer countries

Abstract

This paper develops a framework for assessing national standards capability. The framework draws on total quality management (TQM) models as its theoretical basis and was developed through an expert group panel, interviews, and focus group workshops. To verify the framework, pilot implementation was conducted in four countries. The results show that the proposed framework is useful for measuring the strengths and weaknesses of overall capability per pillar and category in a national standards system. The paper contributes to the expansion of the TQM model in assessing national level capability by more effective evaluation and systematic development of national standards systems for developing countries.