Standardisation tools in the Data Act Proposal

Even though it plays an important role in the implementation of the Data Act, standardisation is often overseen or left behind in Data Act discussions given its complexity and perceived technicality. Too little standardisation prohibits efficiency gains, while too much standardisation can make innovation and differentiation much harder.

Against that background, if done right, standards can simplify compliance with legal requirements, market access, enhance the functioning of the EU single market, and make space for new innovations. Thus, this policy paper:

1. Describes the goal of the Data Act Proposal regarding Data Processing Services;
2. Explains how this links to various standardisation tools and procedural steps;
3. Discusses relevant standardisation tools and procedural steps against the background of the Data Act and the EU standardisation legislation.
4. Contextualizes this with current debates around EU standardisation policy;
5. Evaluates the different standardisation tools if there is a need for them.
6. Offers advice on how to proceed in the overall standardisation posture and the Data Act in particular.