The World Standards Cooperation (WSC) will hold its first-ever Academic Week on 5-9 July 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. The event is intended to raise awareness of the importance of including standardization in programmes of higher education because of its roles in facilitating access to world markets, transferring technology and promoting good business practice and sustainable development.

Knowledge of standardization and the benefits it can bring to business, government and society as a whole is increasingly being seen as part of the essential "baggage" of future managers in both public and private sectors.

The World Standards Cooperation (WSC) will hold its first-ever Academic Week on 5-9 July 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. The event is intended to raise awareness of the importance of including standardization in programmes of higher education because of its roles in facilitating access to world markets, transferring technology and promoting good business practice and sustainable development.

Knowledge of standardization and the benefits it can bring to business, government and society as a whole is increasingly being seen as part of the essential "baggage" of future managers in both public and private sectors.

An impressive list of speakers from academia, industry and national and international standards bodies will provide insight on these matters and stimulate discussions, with a view to promote dialogue and to foster cooperation between academic institutions and the International Standards community.

The WSC is the strategic coordination entity of the world's leading standardization organizations – the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The three partners recognize the fundamental contribution that educational institutions can make in teaching the value of international standardization, appreciate how the work of academia at the cutting edge of research and technology can benefit the development of standards and are keen to support these institutions in their efforts.

The annual workshop of the International Cooperation on Education about Standardization (ICES)– a network of individuals and organizations interested in education about standardization – will also take place during the week.

The event is being held at the International Conference Centre, Geneva, and the programme comprises:

5-6 July, ICES workshop

7 July, Recognizing academic excellence

8 July, Cooperation between international standardization organizations and academic institutions (including participation by the Rector of the University of Geneva and representatives of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne)

9 July, Economic and social benefits of standards.

For further information, including full programme and registration form: WSC Academic Week 2010