ISOWerte

ISOWerte is a term used in speculative and analytical literature to refer to a proposed international framework for codifying and measuring social, ethical, or organizational values. The name combines ISO-like notions of standardization with "Werte," the German word for values, and is not associated with any official standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization. In most discussions, ISOWerte is described as a conceptual blueprint rather than a concrete program.

Scope and structure of the imagined framework would define value dimensions (for example, fairness, transparency, privacy, sustainability), provide measurement scales, and mandate governance processes for validation and audits. It would distinguish between aspirational values and enforceable requirements, and specify protocols for stakeholder engagement and impact assessment. Architecture might include core standards, conformance assessment procedures, and accreditation bodies.

Origins and usage: The term appears in academic and policy debates about AI ethics, corporate social responsibility, and public governance. Advocates argue that standardizing values can improve comparability, accountability, and cross-border collaboration. Critics warn about value relativism, cultural bias, and the risks of oversimplification or instrumentalization of values.

Status: No official ISOWerte standard exists. It is used mainly as a theoretical model or discussion prompt, alongside related concepts such as values-based design, ethics guidelines for technology, and ISO standards for quality, information security, and social responsibility.

See also: ISO; values-based design; ethics guidelines for AI; corporate social responsibility; human rights in standardization.