From research to industry
Jafar Keshvari’s journey into the world of conformity assessment began years ago when he was introduced to the significance of standards. Starting his career in research, primarily with Nokia, where he became deeply involved with the development of technical standards. However, it was his transition from research to industry that really opened his eyes to the larger, interconnected world of standardization. Through this experience, he came to understand the vital role conformity assessment plays in ensuring that products and systems adhere to the highest standards of safety and performance.
Widening the bridge
In his new position at IEC CAB alternate member, Jafar Keshvari aims to continue the work of his predecessor, Jukka Hannuksela, with a key focus: widening the bridge between the technical work of the IEC committees and the broader conformity assessment processes. He recognizes that the technical committees often focus on specific areas of innovation, but it’s essential to integrate the knowledge and expertise of conformity assessment into the technical standards discussions to ensure that standards are practical, enforceable, and relevant.
The broad impact of conformity assessment
For Jafar Keshvari, conformity assessment’s role in standardization is particularly compelling because of its wide-reaching impact. While technical committees focus on specialized areas, conformity assessment encompasses a broader spectrum, providing an overarching understanding of how different technologies and industries interact with standards. This wide lens is crucial as it allows for a better understanding of how to test, evaluate, and ensure compliance across diverse sectors, such as renewable energy, environmental safety, and product certification.
Educating stakeholders
One of Jafar Keshavi’s primary objectives is to facilitate better communication and collaboration between different IEC bodies and the technical committees. He acknowledges that there is often a disconnect between the high-level work done by organizations like CAB and the day-to-day technical activities carried out within technical committees. To address this, Jafar advocates for more exchanges of knowledge and collaborative efforts that align technical work with conformity assessment requirements from the start, rather than waiting for issues to emerge later in the process.
Jafar also emphasizes the importance of educating stakeholders—especially within government and regulatory bodies—on the significance of conformity assessment in the broader context of standards. He believes that many authorities, particularly in Finland and the European Union, could benefit from a deeper understanding of IEC’s conformity assessment systems and the advantages they offer. By increasing awareness among these groups, Jafar aims to strengthen Finland’s contributions to international standardization efforts, ensuring that the country continues to lead in areas like product safety, renewable energy, and clean technologies.
Commitment to Finland’s continued leadership in international standardization
Reflecting on his professional journey, Jafar Keshvari expresses excitement for the challenges ahead. Having spent years understanding the intricacies of both technical and conformity assessment fields, he feels well-positioned to contribute to the IEC CAB’s mission. “I’m truly excited to be in this role,” he says. “It’s a unique opportunity to ensure that we’re not just creating standards but making them meaningful and actionable in a real-world context.”
As Jafar Keshvari steps into his new position, he is driven by a clear vision: to maintain Finland’s strong presence in the IEC, leverage its technical expertise, and collaborate with global partners to create standards that are not only innovative but also practical, reliable, and effective. With his wealth of experience and commitment to bridging technical and regulatory perspectives, Jafar is poised to make a significant impact on the future of global standardization.
Add to favorites