About the Conference
This year’s edition of the Balkan Conference on Standardization will be hosted by ASRO and the University of Life Sciences „King Mihai I of Romania” in Timișoara.
Timișoara, a vibrant and multicultural city in Western Romania, will welcome you on September 22-23 to explore the intersection of Standardization, Education, and Research. The conference will bring together representatives of national standards bodies, guests from European and international standardization organizations, and stakeholders from the national level.
Discussions will focus on: how to integrate education and standardization,the role of research in shaping future standards, collaborative opportunities for academia, industry, and standardization bodies.
Education about standardization plays a crucial role for equipping future professionals across various disciplines, including engineering, business, law, and public administration. By integrating standardization into university curricula, students gain essential knowledge and skills that enhance their career prospects and contribute to innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Despite significant progress, embedding standardization as a core academic discipline remains a challenge across Europe, making it essential to continue raising awareness among relevant stakeholders.
Despite significant progress, embedding standardization as a core academic discipline remains a challenge across Europe, making it essential to continue raising awareness among relevant stakeholders.
Conference Agenda
Draft Programme Outline
Day 1 – September 22
10:00
Opening Remarks
- National Standards Body in Romania – ASRO
- University of Life Sciences „King Mihai I of Romania” from Timișoara (USVT)
Welcome message, purpose of the event & setting the scene for the day
National and European Perspectives
Exploring the vision of national governments and the European Union institutions, collaboration and areas of overlap, focusing on educational and research topics in standardization.
10:10
European Policy & Standardization
Insights into current EU initiatives and the role of standardzsation in shaping European priorities.
10:25
Considerations on the ways standardization could support Education and Innovation in Romania
Contributions from Government Institutions
Shaping Tomorrow’s Standardization Landscape
Setting benchmarks, norms, or guidelines that will govern future practices in standardization. It’s about actively defining the needed skills for future standardization professionals.
10:45
European Policy & Standardization
Viewpoints from European standardization organisations CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, including experience-sharing on education about standardization initiatives.
11:20
Global Perspectives
International trends and developments, and global collaboration on education about standardization.
12:00
Education on Standardization: Initiatives & Best Practices
Panel discussion featuring academic institutions from national and European level.
Integrating standardization into curricula, interdisciplinary approaches & real-world application.
Boosting Business Competitiveness through Education, Research and Standardization
The strategic alignment of these critical components to foster business growth, innovation, and competitiveness. The session highlights the interconnectedness of research, education, and standardization in building a dynamic, resilient business ecosystem.
15:00
Workforce of the Future – need for education about standardization
Perspectives from industry stakeholders
Topics may include:
- Young professionals knowledgeable about business intelligence
- Innovation enabling standardization
- Implementation of standards in corporate practice
15:45
Open Discussion
If time allows: an interactive session to wrap up the day’s themes.
Day 2 – September 23
Powering Research – emphasizing innovations driven into the market with the support of standardization. This involves the infusion of funding, technology, expertise, hence collectively enabling close collaboration between research and standardization.
09:30
The role of Standardization in Research projects
A Perspective from the Romanian National Standardization Body
How standardization supports national and European research objectives.
09:45
Research Institutions at the Forefront of Standardization
An outlook from Romanian research organizations: focus on applied research, cross-sector collaboration and integration of standards in research projects.
Driving Excellence in National Standards Bodies – an in-depth look at strategies to foster innovation and strengthen collaboration with academia, ensuring implementation of best practices aligned with international benchmarks.
10:15
National Standardization Bodies from Balkan Region
Invited NSBs will share:
- Organization’s best practices in integrating standardization into education and training programs.
- Experience in engaging with universities, researchers, and policymakers.
- Young Professionals Program
- Involvement in European research projects that promote standardization at the national level.
AFCOS Project – a success story of close collaboration between research and standardization – key results and achievements – highlighting milestones, breakthroughs and successes that were accomplished throughout the project’s lifecycle.
12:30
The AFCOS Project: Pathways to Progress – Insights into green and sustainable construction supported by standardization of innovations and capacity building.
14:30
Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
Reflections on the day’s discussions and key messages for the future.
Discover Timisoara
Timișoara, often called “Little Vienna”, is one of Romania’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. It is a city of history, innovation, and multicultural influences. Known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere, Timișoara is the perfect place to host the Research & Education Conference on Standardization.
Why Visit Timișoara?
✔ A city of firsts – The first European city with electric street lighting (1884).
✔ Cultural & Architectural gem – A mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Secessionist styles.
✔ Green spaces – More than 40 parks and gardens.
Top 3 Places to Visit in Timișoara
📍 Unirii Square
The most picturesque and colorful square in Timișoara, surrounded by Baroque-style buildings, charming cafés, and historical landmarks.
📍 Victory Square & The Metropolitan Cathedral
The heart of the city, home to the impressive Orthodox Cathedral and the National Opera House, where Romania’s 1989 revolution began.
📍 Bega River Promenade
A perfect spot for a relaxing walk, with bike lanes, boat rides, and cozy terraces along the river.
Accommodation & Stay
For the convenience of our participants, we recommend staying in centrally located hotels that offer easy access to the conference venue and the city’s main attractions. Below are some recommended options:
🏨 Mercure Timișoara
A modern 4-star hotel, part of the Accor international chain, featuring comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and a stylish atmosphere. A great option for business travelers and conference attendees.
Book
🏨 Timișoara Hotel
A 4-star hotel located in the city center, offering modern rooms, excellent services, and easy access to conference venues and main attractions. Ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Book
🏨 Ibis Timișoara City Center
Modern hotel with clean rooms and top facilities, including a stylish breakfast area and restaurant. Convenient location near city center and train station. Offers excellent service and good value.
bookConference Venue
The conference will take place at the University of Life Sciences „King Mihai I of Romania”, a leading academic institution in Romania. The university is renowned for its strong research programs, academic excellence, and collaboration with international institutions. It provides a modern conference space, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a professional and comfortable experience for all participants.
📍 University of Life Sciences „King Mihai I of Romania”
📍 Calea Aradului 119
📍 Timișoara, Romania
