Standard de référence, coûts de transaction et économie de la qualité : un cadre d'analyse

In this paper, I try to explore the analytical relationships between reference standards, transaction costs and the economics of quality. The paper focuses, first on a comparative assessment of the intellectual systems allowing economists and sociologists to approach these questions ; second on the historical emergence of reference standards, third on the direct effects of this kind of standard upon the industrial performances and organization, and fourth on the indirect effect of standardization regarding the innovative capabilities of industries and countries.