by YANGSHU Hongji

Shanghai has led the development of 251 international standards and 64 local benchmarks, city officials said at the World Standards Day on Oct. 29, as the city steps up efforts to shape global industrial rules.

Shanghai has built 37 innovation and standardization centers in sectors such as chip design, quantum networks and smart-home systems, embedding standards across research, product development and commercialization. The goal is to align fast-moving technologies with regulation while enhancing the global competitiveness of local industries.

Recent examples include industrial and digital standards developed by Shanghai-based firms.Shanghai CRRC Esendi Marine Equipment had its subsea robotics framework adopted as a "Shanghai Standard."

The city is also expanding its role in global standard-setting. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) last year approved a Creative Digital Design Technical Committee with its secretariat in Pudong, and Shanghai firms helped launch China's first ISO working group on quantum technology — underscoring the country's growing influence in technical governance.

Quantum random numbers, produced from the inherent uncertainty of quantum mechanics, are vital for encryption and cybersecurity. LI Minghan, an engineer who helped launched the ISO working group, said clearer standards will improve reliability and compliance as quantum technologies move toward commercial use.

LI Jing, head of standardization at the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, said standards should be embedded in the city's technology and industrial development and evolve alongside emerging sectors.