Why Now
Technological Advancements:
Recent breakthroughs in AI and natural language processing have revolutionized interactions with digital content. StanHub leverages these technologies to deliver an unparalleled search experience, interpreting complex documents in their existing formats. Unlike traditional standards providers that sell PDFs and printed documents, StanHub focuses on what truly matters—giving people access to knowledge, not just products.
Future-Ready Standards
As more organizations move towards making their standards machine-readable, StanHub is perfectly positioned to offer AI-driven solutions that align with this trend, staying ahead of the curve.
Competitive Edge
Our AI-centric approach differentiates StanHub from traditional standards providers, offering a unique competitive advantage that attracts a broader customer base and fosters loyalty through superior service and accessibility.
The European Court of Justice
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that harmonized technical standards, which set product standards, are part of EU law. Therefore, they must be freely and publicly accessible.
This means that standards from DIN and other European organizations must also be made available free of charge. As a result, standardization bodies will need to develop a new business model.
The law firm that won the case before the ECJ is the corporate law firm Morrison Foerster.
However, the ruling does not mean that all CEN standards must be completely free and publicly accessible. Instead, it requires that the public must have some level of access to these standards, particularly when they are referenced in legislation. Access may still be provided through specific platforms and potentially for a fee.
Why StanHub makes sense now
Capitalizing on Legal Precedents and Market Shifts
The recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling highlights the tension between the need for free access to certain harmonized standards and the financial viability of traditional standards organizations. As the ECJ pushes for greater accessibility, the traditional document-based sales model, reliant on paid access, faces significant challenges. This disruption creates a unique opportunity for StanHub to offer an innovative solution that aligns with the changing legal landscape. By offering a subscription-based model, StanHub can provide flexible access to a vast array of standards, catering to both the need for accessibility and the financial sustainability of standardization efforts.
Creating a Sustainable Revenue Model
As traditional revenue streams for standards organizations come under pressure due to legal and market changes, StanHub’s subscription model offers a sustainable alternative. By providing ongoing access through subscriptions, rather than one-time purchases, StanHub can generate steady and predictable revenue. This model also allows for tiered access, where users can select subscription levels based on their specific needs, creating a more tailored and value-driven experience.
Mitigating the Risk of Fragmentation and Standard nationalism
The risk of fragmentation, where countries or regions might begin to create their own standards due to the collapse of the traditional system, is a serious concern. StanHub can play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the international standards system by providing a unified platform that ensures consistent and accessible standards across borders. This can help mitigate the risk of fragmentation and promote global interoperability.