We offer free training for experts involved in international technical standards setting in critical technologies.
The Australian Government is now operating in line with Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
This training is part of an Australian Government goal to:
- support industry-led, consensus-based approaches to develop standards
- increase Australia’s influence in the design and use of technology standards globally
- ensure that critical technologies evolve in ways that align with our national interests and values.
We have funding to provide training until June 2026. We will take a staged approach to training. The training will help Australian technical experts involved in international standards setting gain extra skills and knowledge.
About the program
Types of training
The training will cover topics like geopolitics, international negotiation, cultural awareness and diplomacy. We aim to give those taking part in the training greater knowledge of:
- the geopolitical landscape of standard setting
- how standards can impact the national interest
- how to communicate and increase influence in international standards forums.
Training is virtual and may include a mix of sessions in real time and self-paced learning you can complete in your own time. We will allocate spots on each training course based on eligibility and assessment criteria. Places are limited and not guaranteed.
Participants can take part in each training course only once.
Critical technologies in the national interest
Critical technologies are current and emerging technologies that can significantly improve or pose risk to Australia’s national interest, including our:
- economic prosperity
- national security
- social cohesion
These align with the government’s Critical Technologies Statement and List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest. The list of technologies identifies fields that will have a high impact on Australia’s national interests and align with government goals or strategic needs. The list intends to guide future policy decision-making.
The 7 key enabling technology fields are:
- advanced manufacturing and materials technologies
- artificial intelligence technologies
- advanced information and communication technologies
- quantum technologies
- autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing and sensing
- biotechnologies
- clean energy generation and storage technologies.
Role of international technical standards
Standards are voluntary specifications, procedures and guidelines that help develop and shape new technologies. International technical standards:
- make sure that technology products, services and systems are safe, consistent, trusted and reliable
- make trade easier
- open up new markets for Australian products and services that meet these standards.
The government wants international standards for critical technologies to reflect Australia’s values, innovations and expertise.
Eligibility criteria
We will assess who is eligible for the training sessions through the following criteria:
- People based in Australia participating in a Standards Development Organisation (SDO) committee (or similar group) that engages in setting international technical standards. The committee must set standards in at least one of the 7 critical technology fields.
- Applicants must have a business case showing how they take part in an SDO committee in their application.
Assessment criteria
We have full discretion to decide whether to approve an application. We base this decision on an assessment of the applicant’s field of expertise, involvement in standardisation activities and any other relevant factors.
We will approve who takes part in this program on:
- available program funding
- places available in a particular course
- individual eligibility as outlined above
- a priority scale:
- priority level 1: committee chairperson and international representative
- priority level 2: any other committee member.
Application and assessment process
The following gives an overview of the application and assessment process for the Tech Standards Training Program.
Apply to join the program
Submit your application through our online form.
Eligibility review
We'll review your application against the assessment criteria and contact you about the status of your application.
Mailing list
If we approve your application, we'll add your email to a mailing list to receive information on available training.
Contact us if you are no longer taking part in a relevant standards committee or if you no longer wish to receive these emails.
Training registration
We'll contact people on the mailing list with specific information about the training on offer. If you have interest in taking part, you can ask to enrol by email. We'll allocate spots on each training course in line with the assessment criteria above.
Note: places are limited and not guaranteed.
Training participation and evaluation
We or the training provider, will send people enrolled in training more information about how to take part in the course. We may also contact participants after the course to seek feedback.