Standards have long been the invisible architecture of markets, technology, and knowledge. Standards have become critical important in complex systems, especially in information technology, where they are essential to broad-based innovation and the creation of new markets. But the increasing power and role of standards in the global economy also leads to conflict - in the marketplace, in court, and in international trade.

This course looks at how standards have evolved over time, how standards processes and organizations work, how standards can be abused - and protected from abuse, how standards mediate between private and public spheres, and how battles over standards and standards policy reflect competing economic and social interests. This is an interdisciplinary course that does not require a strong technical background, although familiarity and comfort with information technology is desirable. It is designed to help students with diverse backgrounds (including engineering, computer science, business, economics, law, and public policy) to think creatively, strategically, and pragmatically about standards.

Personal introductions and goals. Course requirements and grading. Goals of students. Theory and outline of the course: Why are we here? Why standards are important – and becoming more important. Overview of the Course Introduction to Standards and Standardization Public policy perspective on standards. History of References. Corporate Standards Strategy. Standardization Organizations and their Operations Standardization Processes in the ICT Ecosystem. Taxonomy of References. Legal perspectives: how standards regulate/ are regulated. The Rise of Consortia The political economy of openness. Student Presentations Patents and Standardization. Open Standards. Maintaining Compatibility. Guest Presentation. The Theoretical Basis of References. Issues in openness. Standards and Patents II The Economic Effect of Standards. National/regional perspectives and strategies. Standards and Design. Guest Presentation II Review (reserve for extra time for student presentations if needed) Student Presentations

Understand business strategies behind the development, implementation, and use of technical standards. Understand the spectrum of private to public standardization solutions in information and communications technology and applications. Understand the relationship between standards development and new product/market opportunities in the computer and communications fields. Understand the technical, legal and policy issues at stake in the development and implementation of standards.

Graduate standing. Must have passed the writing exam or have instructor consent. This interdisciplinary course does not require a technical background, although familiarity with concepts in information and communications technology is desirable.