Kai Jakobs

Kai Jakobs is a Professor at RWTH Aachen University's Chair of Informatik 4, where he has been a member of the technical staff since 1985. He holds two PhDs: one in Computer Science from the University of Edinburgh (1998) and another in Management Studies from Erasmus University Rotterdam (2023). As a Certified Standards Professional, he brings extensive expertise to the field of ICT standards and standardization processes.

Dr. Jakobs' educational background reflects his interdisciplinary approach, combining technical computer science knowledge with management perspectives. His dual doctoral qualifications position him uniquely at the intersection of technology and organizational strategy in standardization. He has established himself as a leading scholar through his extensive publication record and editorial leadership.

His research focuses on various aspects of ICT standards and the standardization process. Over his career, he has (co)-authored/edited more than thirty books on standards and standardization processes, with particular emphasis on the ICT sector, and published over 250 papers in academic venues. His scholarly contributions span foundational networking protocols to contemporary smart systems standardization. Dr. Jakobs has served on program committees and editorial boards of numerous international conferences and journals, and has contributed as an external expert on European R&D program evaluation panels.

Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on responsible standardization for smart systems, stakeholder engagement in standards development, and the evolving relationship between standardization and innovation. His work increasingly addresses societal implications of standardization, examining how standards development can be made more inclusive and responsive to diverse needs in rapidly evolving technological domains.

• Board member of the European Academy for Standardisation (EURAS)
• Founder of the 'International Journal on Standardization Research'
• Founder of 'Advances in Standardization Research'
• Founder of 'EURAS Contributions to Standardisation Research' book series
• Certified Standards Professional

Dr. Jakobs maintains strong connections between academic research and practical standardization activities. His work with European organizations and participation in numerous standardization conferences demonstrates his commitment to bridging theoretical understanding with practical implementation. His recent focus on smart systems standardization reflects his ability to identify and address emerging challenges in the field.