Amman – Engineer Abeer Barakat Al-Zhair, Director General of the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO), inaugurated today a national workshop titled "Digital Transformation in Standards: Future, Vision, and Operational Models” at the Organization’s headquarters. The two-day event is held in cooperation with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and brings together a select group of experts, specialists, and academics from various sectors.

In her opening remarks, Eng. Al-Zhair emphasized that digital transformation in standardization has become an urgent necessity in light of rapid technological advancements. She noted that concepts such as smart systems, smart cities, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer futuristic ideas but present-day realities that must be matched by up-to-date national standards and specifications.

Al-Zhair highlighted the significance of the SMART 7 project, which aims to convert standards into machine-readable smart formats that can be digitally integrated into various systems and applications. She described smart standards as representing a fundamental shift in the development process, enabling institutions and companies to embed technical requirements directly into design, development, and production phases—contributing to enhanced product quality, accelerated innovation, cost reduction, and improved safety and reliability

She also pointed out that Jordan has been an active member of the IEC since 2010 and plays an important role in shaping global standards. Aligning national standards with international benchmarks, she affirmed, boosts export capabilities, builds investor confidence, and facilitates the adoption of modern technologies.

Al-Zhair further reiterated the Jordanian government’s commitment to digital transformation, referencing strategic initiatives such as the establishment of the National Council for Future Technology, launched under Royal directives and chaired by the Prime Minister with direct support from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. The council seeks to accelerate the integration of emerging technologies across sectors through coordinated efforts and by encouraging investment in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital services.

Concluding her speech Al-Zhair called on participants to actively engage and exchange expertise throughout the workshop. She affirmed JSMO’s ongoing collaboration with the IEC to build a comprehensive national digital standardization system, praising Jordanian talent and its potential to lead the smart standardization movement at the regional level