A new study on the economic impact of quality infrastructure (QI) highlights the central role of accreditation, standards and conformity assessment in economic growth in Europe. Accreditation in particular makes a decisive contribution to market transparency and promotes confidence in products and services. The study provides the first comprehensive empirical data quantifying the macroeconomic effects of QI and demonstrating its direct impact on gross domestic product (GDP).

Accreditation and conformity assessment as drivers of economic growth

The recently published study "The economic effects of the quality infrastructure" evaluates data from various European countries over a period of 30 years. Using an extended Cobb-Douglas production function, it provides the first complete empirical assessment to date of the macroeconomic effects of the various QI components, including accreditation, standards, conformity assessment, market surveillance and metrology.

The results show that accreditations, especially accredited certifications according to international standards such as ISO 9001, play an essential role in promoting trust and market transparency, which in turn has a positive impact on economic growth. A hypothetical abolition of ISO 9001 certificates in a country would result in significant economic losses. In Germany, this loss would amount to around 200 billion euros, calculated on the basis of German GDP in 2023.

The study concluded that a European country's participation in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has a significant positive impact on its economic strength. Countries whose national accreditation bodies are internationally recognised benefit from improved export opportunities and higher quality products and services.

These figures underline the immediate importance of accreditation for economic performance and clearly show how much global trade relations and confidence in products and services benefit from accreditation.

Standards and conformity assessment strengthen market structures

In addition to accreditation, standards also play a decisive role in strengthening market structures. The study shows that a hypothetical 10% increase in the number of standards would lead to a 0.18% increase in GDP. For Germany, based on GDP figures for 2023, this would mean an additional contribution of around 72 billion euros to GDP.

Study recommends greater investment in accreditation and QI

The results highlight the need to invest in developing and strengthening quality infrastructure to promote sustainable economic growth. The study recommends that policymakers expand the capacity of national accreditation bodies and encourage businesses, particularly SMEs, to participate in accreditation programmes. Furthermore, accreditation should be more closely integrated into national and European trade and development strategies to boost economic resilience and facilitate access to international markets.

Conclusion: Accreditation as a long-term growth driver

In summary, the study confirms the key role of accreditation in promoting economic growth. It not only contributes to quality assurance in international supply chains, but also improves market transparency and operational efficiency. The results of the study highlight the long-term economic benefits of investing in quality infrastructure and underline its importance as a strategic growth factor.