From Legal Approximation to Practical Impact: The Role of ISO Standards in Albania's Public Administration and Economy

Abstract

This article analyzes the institutional development and practical impact of standardization in Albania, focusing on the functioning of quality infrastructure institutions, the implementation of ISO standards in public administration and the private sector, as well as their effects on institutional and economic performance. The aim is to assess how standardization affects the improvement of governance, transparency and competitiveness, in line with European and international practices, but beyond the legal dimension of approximation. The study is based on the analysis of strategic documents and institutional reports (DPS, PTB, UNIDO, ISO) and includes comparative assessments with countries in the region. The results show that Albania has achieved a stable level of alignment between national and European standards, supported by the gradual strengthening of the General Directorate of Standardization (GDS) and the national quality system. This study assesses the practical impact of standardization, highlighting the benefits, limitations and the ongoing process of institutional consolidation in Albania. Although implementation remains uneven across sectors, trends indicate increasing awareness and participation, particularly among enterprises seeking access to European Union markets. Finally, the article emphasizes that the sustainable development of the standardization system requires a transition from legal approximation towards a functional model of institutionalization, which links standardization with improving the quality of governance, strengthening capacities, and the economic integration of Albania.