In a special issue of the monthly series “Schlaglichter der Wirtschaftspolitik” (Hotspots of Economic Policy), the ministry presents the main results of a study by Knut Blind, Andre Jungmittag and Axel Mangelsdorf on the economic impact of standards. This study is updating the original study published in 2000 and confirms the contribution of standards of around 15 billion € per year to Germany’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).