We are excited to announce that ACT | The App Association has officially joined the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). This marks an important step 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 joining ETSI, we’re opening 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 helps 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 work together
We bring a unique perspective to ETSI, grounded in 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 will 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
Our engagement with ETSI will deepen our ongoing efforts in Brussels and the broader landscape to ensure that digital policies and frameworks work for innovators of all sizes. As we begin this new chapter, 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.
We are proud to join ETSI and contribute to its mission. Together with our members, we will help ensure that digital standards serve as enablers for innovation, growth, and global collaboration.