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The economic effects of the quality infrastructure

Author

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  • Blind, Knut
  • Neuhäusler, Peter
  • Schubert, Torben

Abstract

Although the economic impact of standards has been investigated for over two decades, the effect of the entire quality infrastructure, encompassing standards, conformity assessment, accreditation, metrology, and market surveillance, has been examined primarily through specific case studies. The objective of this analysis is to conduct an econometric analysis to assess the economic value of quality infrastructure on Gross Domestic Product. After a review of the small but growing literature, indicators for the different elements of the quality infrastructure are presented. The panel regression is based on a timeseries of available indicators for a set of European countries. After assessing the impact of each element of the quality infrastructure separately, a comprehensive model is estimated to calculate its total effect. We find that standards are significantly associated with the GDP of the countries, which corroborates earlier studies. Furthermore, the generally good data coverage for ISO 9001 certifications reveals a significant influence of conformity assessment on GDP. Participation in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) as an indicator for accreditation plays also a substantial role for the country's GDP. However, the approximation of market surveillance by the cases reported in the European Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Products (RAPEX) must be critically assessed due to the ambivalent results. The paper concludes by discussing the overall approach and the revealed results, the limitations and, ultimately, the implied policy recommendations.

Suggested Citation

  • Blind, Knut & Neuhäusler, Peter & Schubert, Torben, 2026. "The economic effects of the quality infrastructure," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:84:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x25003045
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103114
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Temple, Paul & Williams, Geoffrey, 2002. "Infra-technology and economic performance: evidence from the United Kingdom measurement infrastructure," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 435-452, December.
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    8. Rainer Frietsch & Ulrich Schmoch, 2010. "Transnational patents and international markets," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 82(1), pages 185-200, January.
    9. Blind, Knut & Krieger, Bastian & Pellens, Maikel, 2022. "The interplay between product innovation, publishing, patenting and developing standards," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(7).
    10. Knut Blind & Florian Ramel & Charlotte Rochell, 2022. "The influence of standards and patents on long-term economic growth," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 979-999, August.
    11. Clougherty, Joseph A. & Grajek, Michał, 2023. "Decertification in quality-management standards by incrementally and radically innovative organizations," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(1).
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    13. Manders, Basak & de Vries, Henk J. & Blind, Knut, 2016. "ISO 9001 and product innovation: A literature review and research framework," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 48, pages 41-55.
    14. Paul Wakke & Knut Blind & Florian Ramel, 2016. "The impact of participation within formal standardization on firm performance," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 317-330, June.
    15. Knut Blind & Axel Mangelsdorf & Crispin Niebel & Florian Ramel, 2018. "Standards in the global value chains of the European Single Market," Review of International Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(1), pages 28-48, January.
    16. Knut Blind & Andre Jungmittag, 2008. "The impact of patents and standards on macroeconomic growth: a panel approach covering four countries and 12 sectors," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 29(1), pages 51-60, February.
    17. Blind, Knut & Mangelsdorf, Axel & Pohlisch, Jakob, 2018. "The effects of cooperation in accreditation on international trade: Empirical evidence on ISO 9000 certifications," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 50-59.
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    1. Harmes-Liedtke, Ulrich & Pietrobelli, Carlo & Ramkissoon , Ann-Sara & Salustri , Francesco, 2026. "Deconstructing Quality Infrastructure: A Quantitative Analysis of the Global QI Index," MERIT Working Papers 006, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).

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