How the Standard is developedFrom research to revision

1. Research: review AI search behaviour, published literature and assessment findings.
2. Review: identify requirements that are unclear, missing or outdated.
3. Draft: the Standard Owner drafts changes with the reasoning for each.
4. Public feedback: drafts are published for at least 30 days of comment.
5. Revision: comments are answered and the draft revised.
6. Publication: the new version is published with its changelog entry.
7. Implementation: an effective date gives holders and assessors time to prepare.
8. Assessment: new applications are assessed against the new version.
9. Review: assessment results show where requirements are working.
10. Version update: findings feed the next cycle.

Scope: the Standard covers planning, delivering and measuring GEO work. Owner: GeoAI Optimization, through the Standard Owner role. Assessment relationship: certificates state the version assessed. Conflicts: commercial interests are declared in every change proposal. Appeals, complaints, suspension, revocation, renewal and records follow certification governance.

Comments on the current version are welcome at any time through the contact form. Formal comment periods are announced in standards updates.