International Organization for Standardization (ISO) management system standards have been adopted by more than 430,000 organizations in 158 countries, according to the group. But most of the action is occurring outside of North America.
At the end of 2000, at least 408,631 ISO 9000 (quality standard) certificates had been awarded in 158 countries - with 54 percent awarded to companies in Europe compared to only 12 percent going to firms in North America.