Technical communication professionals from several European countries have founded the new association "tekom Europe". Its aim is to raise awareness for the significance of technical communication in Europe, to align the occupational profile across Europe and to develop industry standards for user manuals and operating instructions.
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The European Union influences the production of consumer and capital goods through a series of specifications and regulations. This also affects the product information. Through established standards technical writers create documents that are easy to understand, thus allowing the user to operate the device correctly and safely.
When goods are sold within the EU, producers have to follow regulations such as the EC Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, or the Product Safety Directive. Furthermore, the EU publishes a series of standards that provide general principles and detailed requirements for the creation of user information. This includes the IEC 82079-1:2012 "Preparation of instructions for use” which was published in 2012. Ultimately, the EU also influences the education and training of tc professionals.
Goals
The main task of the newly founded association is to represent the interests of content creators and users on a European level. To achieve this tekom Europe representatives will participate in the formulation of European standards and directives as well as in the description of trade-specific skills and competences. In addition, the new association will promote cooperation among universities and educational institutions in Europe. tekom Europe also supports important EU objectives such as enhancing the training of young people, advancing the employability and mobility of workers, and improving the competitiveness of the European economy in general.
Structure
The association will initially consist of six country group members and two corporate members. Additional country groups might be established in the future. Each country group represents primarily the interests of its own members.
Eventually the members of tekom Europe benefit from the association’s greater influence and power. tekom Europe’s highest body is the Assembly of Delegates, which decides on future projects and draws up the annual budget. The association’s volunteer Board of Directors consists of a chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary and treasurer. The association was founded in compliance with the German Association law and has its seat in Stuttgart, Germany.
<link http: www.technical-communication.org>www.technical-communication.org
