For Katrin Sjöberg, standardisation is not just about technology – it’s about understanding people, systems, and what connects them. As Technical Advisor at Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Chair of two international groups within ETSI, she moves between industry, research, and global collaboration. And it’s precisely there, in the intersection worlds, that she feels most at home.
A researcher who wanted to understand more
Katrin Sjöberg was introduced to standardisation as early as 2009, when, as a doctoral student at Chalmers University of Technology, she was invited to a standardisation meeting to present her research. Her work had attracted the attention of industry – and that meeting became the starting point for an engagement that has only grown since.
Four years later, in 2013, she completed her PhD with the thesis Medium Access Control for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks. Her research explored how vehicles can communicate directly with one another – what is now known as C-ITS, Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems.
“I’ve always wanted to understand how things fit together – not just the technology, but the people behind it. Research gave me depth, but I realised early on that it wasn’t enough. For technology to work in practice, we have to understand each other.”
It was through this work that she came into contact with ETSI, the European organisation that develops standards for everything from mobile networks to connected vehicles. What began as a way to share research and follow technical developments soon became an arena where she felt truly at home.
Facts about Katrin Sjöberg
Lives: Varberg, Sweden
Family: 2 sons, 1 cat
Role: Technical Advisor, Volvo Autonomous Solutions
Positions: Chair ETSI TC ITS WG4, Chair ETSI TC ERM TG37
Languages: Swedish and English
Favourite food: Depends on season and inspiration
Favourite piece of technology: The washing machine
Where the world meets to make technology work
ETSI – the European Telecommunications Standards Institute – is one of Europe’s three official standardisation bodies. It is here that the technical rules are shaped which allow everything from mobile networks to connected vehicles to work seamlessly together.
Within ETSI, Katrin leads the work on Intelligent Transport Systems – as Chair of ETSI TC ITS WG4, the working group for vehicular communication, and as Chair of ETSI TC ERM TG37, the working group that develops harmonised standards for vehicular communication.
She describes ETSI as a microcosm of the world – a place where people with different languages, backgrounds, and interests try to find common ground.
“Everyone ultimately wants the same thing – for the technology to work. The difference lies in how you get there.”
Working in ETSI is not only about technology. It’s about culture and communication. In a single meeting, one word can mean different things to participants from Germany, Japan, and France. Discussions take time, but it’s in those conversations that understanding emerges. “It’s a lesson in patience. You don’t just learn about technology – you learn about people.”
In practice, the work involves reviewing, commenting on, and developing proposals for new standards. Some meetings are held in person, others online. For Katrin, it often means early mornings with Asia and late evenings with the US.
“It can be intense, but also incredibly rewarding. When we finally reach agreement, we know that what we’ve built together will be used across the world.”
Much of the work revolves around interoperability – ensuring that different systems can communicate with one another – and thereby enhancing traffic safety. “When vehicles can communicate seamlessly, across manufacturers and borders, safety increases for everyone on the road.”
She says that at times it feels like speaking several languages at once – both literally and figuratively.
For her, language is more than words. It’s culture, expression, and understanding.
“It’s people from all over the world in the same room. Everyone has their own background, their own way of thinking and speaking. That’s what makes it so exciting.”
Between Volvo and ETSI
For Katrin, her work in ETSI is a natural extension of her role at Volvo.
“When I take part in ETSI, I do it to understand what’s coming next. It helps both me and Volvo stay ahead.”
But her commitment is also something more than work. “It’s a place where I feel I’m contributing to something bigger. ETSI is like a collective of people who want to build something that lasts.”
She sees herself as a kind of translator between worlds – between engineers and researchers, companies and authorities. “Everyone comes in with their own agenda. My role as Chair is to understand why, and to find a way forward. Sometimes it leads to compromises, but often to solutions no one could have found alone.”
What keeps you going?
“Curiosity,” she says without hesitation. “I learn something new every time I take part, that’s what keeps me going. During my PhD years, I developed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and standardisation helps to satisfy it.”
She explains that her work within ETSI has taught her far more than technology – about culture, communication, and patience. “It takes time, but when you finally reach consensus, you know the result will stand the test of time.”
A place for more voices
When the conversation turns to the future, she becomes reflective.
“We need more people to get involved – not because there’s a lack of competence, but because we need more perspectives. Innovation doesn’t only come from the big companies. Just as often, it’s the smaller players and academia that drive development forward.”
She smiles. “You get so much in return. It’s not just a task – it’s a community.”
Katrin Sjöberg moves effortlessly between people and technology, between research and industry, between Volvo and ETSI. And perhaps it’s precisely there – in the space between worlds – that she feels most at home.
“At its core, it’s about understanding – people, systems, and what connects them.”
Are you curious to expand your network – and take part in a forward-looking world? Learn more about ICT standardisation.
Contact ITS if you have questions about the work within the ITS working groups.
Further reading in the Katrin Sjöberg series:
Standardisation needs more voices – why Sweden must participate
Interoperability – the foundation for connected and automated vehicles
