The future will be built on standards
What could come across to an outsider as somewhat dry subject matter – standardization and technical regulations – is in the opinion of Dr. Ralph Sporer an extremely effective tool for helping to shape the megatrends of the future from the very start. Sporer, who has a doctorate in physics, got his start at Siemens Corporate Technology in an entirely different field.
Physicist Ralph Sporer received his first exposure to German and foreign standards in his very first position at Siemens Corporate Technology, which he joined in 1996 to work on the simulation of electromagnetic compatibility and technical risk management.
When products are tested for their electromagnetic compatibility, the relevant technical parameters are specified by binding German and foreign norms and standards. Similarly, in the technical risk management process specialists have to ensure that required norms and standards are complied with during construction of infrastructure facilities, trains or industrial plants in order to avoid subsequent costs. Knowledge of applicable norms and standards is therefore essential to a company’s technical and commercial work.
This knowledge is very valuable to Sporer in his current position with the Corporate Standardization & Regulation Department, where he has worked since 2008 and is responsible for the subject areas energy efficiency and smart grids.
Because uniform standards must first be created before the infrastructure for intelligent power supply networks can be established, smart grids are a very hot topic. The representatives of a diverse group of stakeholders, all of whom are under deadline pressure, must come to an agreement concerning the standards to be applied. In the U.S., the power grid needs modernizing; China is facing an exploding thirst for energy; and in Europe, the proportion of renewable energies in the power grid is constantly increasing.
“Because we as a global company are naturally very interested in shaping the markets for our products, Siemens has laid the cornerstone for how the International Electrotechnical Commission will proceed strategically with respect to smart grids,” reports Sporer. “What we need are international norms and standards that describe the exchange of information for grid automation, industry automation, and home automation,” says Sporer, who has headed the company’s efforts to develop standards for smart grids from the very beginning. “We can play a decisive role in shaping the future standards and technology landscape because we were on board for the fundamental work.”
These activities now have to be continued in corresponding product committees. This is a very interesting job for Sporer, because anyone who wants to shape international norms and standards in the committees on the basis of their company’s technology has to have a good bit of experience. The profile of requirements is very high.
“In addition to having a strong background in technical issues, these experts must also be well acquainted with product development and the needs of the customers,” Sporer explains. “The human aspect is also important. The work in the committees of the international, European, and German organizations such as ISO, IEC, CEN, CENELEC, VDE, and DIN requires negotiating skills and powers of persuasion that are based on a high degree of technical and methodological competence. Leading international bodies enable intercultural cooperation, which brings about an entirely different understanding of different cultures. These are experiences that are extremely valuable in a global company like Siemens,” Sporer adds.
As he goes about his work, Sporer is in close contact with the various divisions. He is the Standardization & Regulation Manager for Energy Transmission and Distribution, for example. “Standardization activities that are tightly integrated with the business and portfolio strategy are a major reason for the success of the company’s operating business,” he explains.