We are excited to announce that ACT | The App Association has applied to join the European Telecommunications Standards Institute* (ETSI). This marks an important effort in our work to ensure that the digital standards shaping Europe’s future reflect the voices and needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
By seeking to join ETSI, we hope to open the door for our association and members to engage directly in the standardisation processes that underpin critical technologies shaping our digital future, including 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).
Why this matters for our members
Standards developed without SME input have the potential to create barriers instead of removing them. Inclusive processes lead to frameworks that support growth and foster competition. To drive innovation in the app economy and achieve the goals of the EU’s proposed startup and scaleup strategy, it is essential that SMEs have a seat at the table.
The standards being developed today will determine how technologies evolve and who is able to participate in the years ahead. Our involvement with ETSI would help ensure these decisions reflect the realities and needs of SMEs operating across Europe and internationally.
About ETSI
ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit, and globally recognised standardisation organisation, supported by the European Union, that brings together over 900 member organisations from more than 60 countries and five continents. It plays a central role in developing globally applicable standards for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), ensuring interoperability, security, and innovation across a wide range of sectors.
ETSI standards influence not only EU policies but also global technology markets, making participation vital for organisations seeking to help define the future.
How we can work together
We bring a unique perspective to supporting ETSI’s mission, grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities SMEs face in today’s digital economy. Our members innovate rapidly, operate across borders, and face challenges that are often overlooked in broader policy or technical discussions. By working closely with other ETSI members— from industry and academia to regulators and peer associations—we intend to help develop standards that are inclusive, grounded in real-world use cases, and built to support innovation across the full spectrum of the app economy.
Looking ahead
We hope to engage with ETSI to deepen our ongoing efforts in Brussels and the broader landscape to ensure that digital policies and frameworks work for innovators of all sizes. We will continue to create opportunities for our SME members to contribute their perspectives, share real-world insights, and help shape a digital future that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the app economy.
Together with our members, we hope to help ensure that digital standards serve as enablers for innovation, growth, and global collaboration.
*Editor’s Note:
A previous version of this blog stated that ACT | The App Association had officially joined the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). To clarify: we’ve submitted our application and received a communication from ETSI indicating that our onboarding was in progress. Based on that, along with the processing of our membership fee, we shared our enthusiasm a little early. We’re excited about the opportunity to support ETSI’s work and look forward to the prospect of bringing our community’s experience and views to ETSI’s important work.