SIST Welcomes New Young Ambassadors of Standardization for 2026

Four young engineers, four different paths, and one shared conviction: that standardization is not a bureaucratic formality but a foundation of modern technology, industry, and society. Andraž Andjelić, Erik Vladimir Simić, Danijel Godec, and Mihael Pavlović represent the new generation of Young Ambassadors of Standardization for 2026. All come from the field of electrical engineering, yet each brings a distinct focus, set of interests, and perspective on the future role of standards.

From Uncertainty to Engineering Insight

Andraž Andjelić is a third-year student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, specializing in energy systems and mechatronics. He is interested in the structure of energy systems, the challenges of transmission and production, and the intersection of engineering with regulation and strategic development. Before attending the Autumn School of Standardization, he says he had no clear understanding of standards. The program broadened his perspective, revealing that standards are not merely rules but concrete engineering tools that help solve technical problems.

Mihael Pavlović, also a third-year student in Applied Electrical Engineering – Technical Quality, first encountered standards through laboratory work during his studies. Initially, he perceived them as mandatory rules for conducting measurements in the laboratory environment. After the Autumn School, however, he described them as “significant added value in the innovation process,” providing verified procedures and a secure pathway from idea to product.

Danijel Godec, a third-year student of Applied Electrical Engineering, Technical Quality track, emphasized that measurements simply cannot exist without standards. They ensure accuracy, repeatability, and comparability – cornerstones of quality engineering. The Autumn School offered him insight into how standards are developed and how companies implement them in practice. He believes that if you do not understand standards, it is difficult to become an expert in the area, as just knowing how a system works is not enough. One must be able to define requirements, explain procedures, and identify weaknesses.

Erik Vladimir Simić, a second-year electrical engineering student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, first encountered standardization as a first-year student at the 2023 Autumn School. At the time, the world of standards seemed complex and distant. However, what guided him was a principle that if you cannot explain something in a simple way, you do not understand it well enough – and this was especially true for standards. Today, after three years of cooperation with the Slovenian Institute for Standardization, he says he understands their role far more deeply and knows how to apply them in practice.

The four ambassadors all agree on one key point: real understanding of standards begins when they are connected to real processes – whether in the laboratory, in industry or in the development of new solutions.

The Autumn School as a Turning Point

For each of them, the Autumn School of Standardization marked a decisive moment. Andraž and Mihael highlight the hackathon, where theory was directly translated into practice, and that the experience confirmed their strong interest in the field. Erik Vladimir emphasized the company presentations, the visit to the LMK laboratory, and especially the individual conversations with institute staff. These informal discussions allowed him to ask questions openly and receive clear, practical answers. Danijel recalls the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and the mentorship that led his team to victory: their decision to become ambassadors was quite straightforward as they wanted to gain insight into the process of shaping standards and to become part of a broader international network.

Across their experiences, a common theme emerges: the shift from viewing standards as abstract documents to understanding their tangible impact on processes, products, and society.

Understanding the Rules of the Game

Danijel noted that without understanding standards, it is difficult to become a true expert in one’s field, and Mihael further explained that a standard is a bridge between technical requirements, innovation processes, and the market. It enables more efficient resource optimization and simplifies the demonstration of product compliance. Andraž added that understanding standards means understanding the “rules of the game” – not only how a system operates, but who shapes it and how. He views this knowledge as essential for working at the intersection of engineering, policy, and economics. Erik Vladimir further highlighted networking, professional connections, and access to information as crucial benefits that open doors in industry. 

Measuring Sustainability

When discussing the future, their perspectives are thoughtful and, at times, critical. In the context of the green transition, Andraž stressed that the energy transition must be based on technically feasible and professionally grounded solutions. Poorly considered decisions may lead to instability and higher costs. Danijel cautioned that many so-called green solutions remain unverified and that standards are the only reliable way to distinguish measurable solutions from appealing promises. Mihael agreed, warning about the risks if criteria are not clearly defined and realistically implementable. Standardization has a key responsibility here: to set scientifically sound and practically feasible requirements. Erik Vladimir pointed to the importance of standards in international cooperation, as they enable a common understanding of rules and requirements and reduce the possibility of misunderstandings between countries. Their shared message is clear: standardization is not about blindly following trends, but about providing a structured, evidence-based framework for long-term, stable development.

Standards as the “Invisible Infrastructure”

As ambassadors, they aim to convey a simple message to their peers: standards are everywhere. Mihael pointed out that standardization is not something distant, but something that accompanies us every day, often without us even realizing it. He speaks of standards as a way for technologies to "speak the same language". This way, he says, standards are the invisible infrastructure of society. Without them, cooperation between countries, companies, and individuals would be disproportionately more demanding. Erik Vladimir explained standards through concrete, everyday analogies: as a long-time ambassador, he says his goal is to show young people that standards are not an obstacle, but rather a foundation on which they can build their academic, professional or business path. Danijel illustrated this with the example of phone chargers and other devices bearing the CE marking. This shows that standards stand behind the products you use daily – standardization is therefore not something distant; it is part of modern life. Andraž emphasized that standards shape the framework within which the economy operates. If asked, “Why should I care about standards?”, he has the perfect answer: regardless of your field or interest, standards affect your life, as they shape the market, technologies, and conditions in which companies and society as a whole operate.

This way, standardization is the invisible infrastructure of society. Without it, there would be chaos rather than progress. The Young Ambassadors of Standardization 2026 bring technical expertise, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage. Not as passive observers, but as active contributors to the rules that will shape future technologies, markets, and societies.