voorkeursstandaard

Voorkeursstandaard (Dutch for "preferred standard") is a concept in standards management used to designate a standard that is prioritized when multiple compatible standards exist for a particular domain. It is typically defined by a standards organization, government policy, or industry consortium, with the goal of improving interoperability, reducing fragmentation, and simplifying procurement and compliance. A voorkeursstandaard is usually not legally binding by itself; however, in practice it can be referenced in tenders, contracts, or regulatory requirements, making compliance with the voorkeursstandaard effectively mandatory for participating parties.

The selection process generally involves defined criteria such as interoperability with existing systems, breadth of adoption, governance and maintenance arrangements, licensing terms, total cost of ownership, security, and alignment with international standards. The process often includes consultation with stakeholders, impact analysis, and formal approval, after which the standard is published and versioned, with a roadmap for future updates.

In day-to-day use, a voorkeursstandaard serves as a reference point for design choices, procurement decisions, certification schemes, and public policy. It can exist alongside other standards and may be updated or revised as technology and market conditions evolve.

Critics argue that excessive reliance on a single voorkeursstandaard may risk stifling innovation or creating vendor lock-in if not reviewed periodically.