NEN and RSM continue collaboration in the chair of Standardisation

The Royal Netherlands Standardisation Institute (NEN) and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) are extending their collaboration in the Chair of Standardisation for the next five years. Prof. Stefano Tasselli will be appointed as endowed professor, taking over the chair from Prof. Henk de Vries. The continuation of collaboration and the appointment of Prof. Tasselli underline the importance of scientific research and education in the field of standardisation – which covers the proper agreements on products, methods and services across Europe.

The Chair of Standardisation at RSM focuses on management and innovation, and the role also explores how standards can help accelerate innovation within organisations, strengthen collaboration and enable societal transitions. Prof. Tasselli will investigate how new methods and techniques can contribute to the application and impact of standardisation within SMEs and large international organisations.

Focus on innovation and social impact

As endowed professor, Stefano Tasselli will focus on developing innovative research, training a new generation of professionals and strengthening the connection between standardisation, innovation and societal impact. He takes over the chair from Prof. Henk de Vries, who as professor by special appointment made an important contribution to the development of the field of standardisation from a management perspective for many years.

Commenting on his appointment, Tasselli says: "I am very glad to collaborate with NEN on exciting research on standards and innovation, with the potential to be published in leading outlets as well as to influence impact and practice."

Bridging the gap between science and practice

The Chair means that together, NEN and RSM can strengthen the connection between scientific research and the practice of standardisation within the business community, government and civil society organisations. Gertjan van den Akker, manager of standards development at NEN said: "Standardisation builds trust and certainty and fosters healthy international cooperation, efficient trade and a more sustainable society. By connecting scientific insights to current social and technological issues, the impact of standardisation can be further increased."

The Chair is part of the Department of Technology and Operations Management at RSM. It focuses on research, education and the application of knowledge about standardisation in practice and is linked to research and education in the field of innovation and technology management. RSM considers standardisation to be an important part of modern innovation and operations management. As a result, the subject remains anchored in the curriculum, for example through the elective course Standardisation Management within the master's programme.

More information

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who can become a force for positive change by carrying their innovative mindset into a sustainable future. Our first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes encourage them to become critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinkers and doers. www.rsm.nl

For more information about RSM or this release, please contact Pavlina Novakova, RSM corporate communications and PR manager, or Danielle Baan, science communications lead and PR, by email at press@rsm.nl.