Global AI governance through technical standards

Huw Roberts and Marta Ziosi

Chapter 22 in Handbook on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, 2026, pp 383-400 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are creating governance issues that transcend national borders. In recognition of this, a range of international institutions are developing governance mechanisms that attempt to deal with these issues. In this chapter, we explore the possibilities and limitations of one type of governance mechanism: international technical standards. We focus on standards because, in contrast to most existing global AI governance initiatives that are high-level and non-binding, standards establish precise requirements for organisations that can be incentivised through regulatory and market mechanisms. Because of this, standards can play a central role in strengthening the global AI governance landscape. We identify three types of organisations that are developing international standards for AI: traditional standards development organisations (SDOs), business consortia, and national institutes. We argue that these different types of standards organisations have different institutional competencies, and because of this, the standards they produce can serve complementary functions in the global AI governance landscape. However, a lack of coordination and differentiation between institutions risks redundancy in efforts and confusion for standards adopters.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Technical Standards; Global Governance; Institutions; Regime Complex (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338573
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