The “Hundred Schools” of Standardization Studies (A Brief History of Standardization Theory)

Throughout the long journey of human civilization, standards and standardization theories have shone like brilliant stars, illuminating the path of industrial and intellectual advancement. Initially, these distilled concepts were merely scattered across the annals of human experience. As standards and standardization endeavors matured, scholars embarked on a quest to refine and elevate these concepts, ushering in an era akin to the “Hundred Schools of Thought” for standardization studies. During the first two Industrial Revolutions, ideas of standardization burgeoned amid the clamor of workshops in the pursuit of labor and efficiency, which served as the lifeblood of early standardization theories. As practical applications of standardization deepened, the definition and understanding of standards became increasingly mature. John Gaillard heralded the vibrant “Hundred Schools of Thought” for standardization studies in the 1930s. The establishment of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ushered in a whole new era of standardization. With a shared vision of global collaboration and harmonization, scholars involved in the ISO steadily guided standardization theory to new heights. Even today, research into standardization theory continues to innovate ceaselessly. Scholars expand the application scope of standards and standardization from multidisciplinary perspectives. For example, they enrich strategies for the utilization of standardization theory through integration with economics and author textbooks to cultivate future standardization talent. China, a powerhouse of standardizations with both a long history of standard-setting and relatively short engagement in modern standardization practice and theory, keeps making its indigenous contributions. Standardization research is no longer confined to engineering and technology but has expanded into management, economics, society, and myriad other fields, creating an interdisciplinary research domain. These studies have not only enriched the theoretical framework of standardization but also provided scientifically sound guidance and policy recommendations for practical applications. The evolution of standardization resembles an epic, narrating humanity’s unwavering pursuit of efficiency, quality, and innovation. From the practice and exploration during the Industrial Revolutions to the international collaborations under the ISO and the theoretical research in the modern era, standardization has consistently served as a pivotal force driving societal progress and civilizational advancement.