Quality Infrastructure

Quality Infrastructure

Mesopartner offers advisory and facilitation services for the establishment, development, and enhancement of quality infrastructure (QI) in developing and emerging countries.

“Quality Infrastructure is the system comprising the organizations (public and private) together with the policies, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and practices needed to support and enhance the quality, safety, and environmental soundness of goods, services and processes. It relies on metrology, standardization, accreditation, conformity assessment, and market surveillance.”

This definition was developed jointly by international QI organizations under the umbrella of INetQI (including ISO, IEC, ITU, BIPM, OIML, ILAC, IAF, UNIDO, UNECE, PTB and others).

Mesopartner QI Team

Ulrich Harmes-Liedtke

Knowledge

Mesopartner is active in the generation and dissemination of QI knowledge.

Talks, “Charlas con Ulrich” (Spanish),

Training

Mesopartner offers different on-site training formats around QI:

Quality Infrastructure for Development: The 2026 training will be announced soon

QI 101 – Introductory training of organisations and project teams, getting to know the basics of QI and relating to broader developmental topics

Blog

Read our QI4D blog. A platform for people interested in Quality Infrastructure. This blog is about QI in straightforward and understandable terms. We discuss current issues and kick off debates on Quality Infrastructure. Our aim is to initiate dialogue and exchange across the boundaries of institutions and disciplines.

QI4D Blog

Research

Mesopartner is actively involved in social and economic research on QI. Read the report on the 1st QI research workshop in Berlin.

Partners

Prof. Dr. Knut Blind
Chair of Innovation Economics, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Prof. Dr. Carlo Pietrobelli
UNESCO Chair in ST&I Policies for Sustainable Development in Latin America at United Nations University UNU-MERIT, Maastricht and
UNI Roma3, Department of Economics

Juan Sebastián Parada Portilla, Economic and Social Studies Coordinator at ONAC

Selected Publications

Bhatnagar, A., Yadav, S., Achanta, V., Harmes-Liedtke, U. & Rab, S. 2024. Handbook of Quality System, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, Singapore, Springer.

Harmes-Liedtke, U./ Flores, M., (2023) Systemic Approaches to Quality Infrastructure: A Comparative Study Between Germany and Mexico.

Harmes-Liedtke, U. Schoen, C. Bathmanathan, V. Ramkissoon, A. (2023). Assessment of Malaysia’s National Quality Infrastructure. Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Department of Standards Malaysia: 275.

Harmes-Liedkte, U. and Schoen, C. (2022). Quality Infrastructure Rapid Diagnostic Tool - User Guide. Berlin and Braunschweig: PTB.

Harmes-Liedtke, U. (2010). The Relevance of Quality Infrastructure to Promote Innovation Systems in Developing Countries. Discussion Paper. PTB. Braunschweig, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt: 27.

Harmes-Liedtke, U. and Oteiza, J. J. (2011). Measurement of Quality Infrastructure. Discussion Paper. Braunschweig, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt: 39.

Ramkissoon, A.-S., Giovannetti, G. and Harmes-Liedtke, U. (2024) The Impact of Quality Infrastructure on Global Value Chain Participation. 4.

Schoen, C., Kristiningrum, E. (2023). Indonesia´s and Germany´s QI Systems at a Glance — A Comparative Analysis, GIZ, Global Project Quality Infrastructure.

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QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION TOOLBOX

This toolbox is designed to empower practitioners, policymakers, and consultants involved in analysing and improving Quality Infrastructure (QI) systems worldwide. Drawing from over two decades of experience advising developing and transition countries, we have curated a selection of powerful, field-tested tools to help you navigate the complex landscape of QI.

WHY THIS TOOLBOX MATTERS

Quality Infrastructure is the backbone of international trade, consumer protection, and sustainable development. It encompasses metrology, standardisation, accreditation, and conformity assessment services that build trust in products and services across borders. As global markets evolve and new challenges emerge, having the right tools to analyse, develop, and promote QI systems is crucial.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND INSIDE

Our toolbox offers a diverse array of instruments, including:

Rapid assessment tools like World Bank’s/PTB’s Rapid Diagnostic Tool (RDT)
Participatory methodologies such as PTB’s Calidena
Comprehensive evaluation frameworks like the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII)
Specialised tools for policy development, user surveys, possibility mapping and impact assessments

Each tool is presented with clear guidance on its purpose, application, and resource requirements, helping you choose the most suitable instruments for your specific needs.