Abstract
The author presents his ideas on prerequisites for successful international standardization based on his experiences as a forme chairman of a working group for image coding (JPEG, MPEG). An important factor that led to success in the standaridization of the JPEG format is open competition for determination of technical specifications, which prompted entry of candidates regardless of historical biases. Another was insistence in standardization as the supreme principle, these provided a model for subsequent standardization activities. Key factors in the fruitful MPEG standardization were : (1) winning support of world's leading manufacturers for MPEG, (2) quest for the best standards ever based on study of historical experiences, and (3) activities accelerated to establish the standards in time for the generalization of the Internet. In the process of discussion, Japanese participants were not effective enough in communication with others due to their discourse with some peculiarities. This led us to concentrate on presenting empirical facts. Competent persons are essential in standardization : it requires individuals who are knowledgeable about technical aspects of standardization, confident of its importance, and influential in their affiliations.
