ABSTRACT: Forming A Successful Consortium Part I

Andrew Updegrove, Partner, Gesmer Updegrove LLP

3/02/2008
(Original Publish Date: 11/1/2006)

Most standard setting and standards-supporting consortia are formed by individuals with no prior experience in creating such entities. Their efforts are informed by the example of existing organizations, but there is no \"how to\" manual that sets forth the type of best practices in formation, structure and governance that are likely to lead to success. In this first of two articles, I review the key areas to be considered, and approaches to be taken, in forming a successful consortium to develop, promote and/or support standards. These areas and methods relate to defining scope, determining necessary deliverables, identifying and segmenting target membership groups, creating member value propositions, developing budgets and determining appropriate dues structures, designing a staffing model, and adopting key policies. In the next installment of this series, I will discuss legal issues relating to the creation and support of such organizations.