In a new installment of the space dedicated to the business world on the program "Hoy por Hoy Talavera" of Cadena SER, the professionals from the consulting firm Qalma have analyzed the profound changes facing the business fabric in 2026. The session featured Jessica Delgado, project and administration coordinator at Qalma, who focused her intervention on the recent publication of the new versions of two of the most relevant international standards: ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
During the talk, it was highlighted that the current environment requires companies to have a constant capacity for adaptation in the face of challenges such as rising costs, new regulatory demands, and the evolving expectations of customers. Delgado stressed that anticipation should not be seen as an extra workload, but as a strategy to work better and ensure long-term viability. In this sense, the 2026 ISO standards are not just compliance requirements but an opportunity to review internal processes and strengthen the organizational culture.
One of the key points discussed was the evolution of ISO 9001:2026. This version introduces concepts such as the "quality culture" and "ethical behavior" more explicitly, requiring top management to commit genuinely to these values. Furthermore, there is a maturation in the risk-based approach, now clearly distinguishing between risk management and opportunity identification. Modern aspects have also been integrated, such as the management of hybrid and remote work, as well as business continuity in the face of potential disruptions.
On the other hand, ISO 14001:2026 consolidates previous amendments on climate change and reinforces the lifecycle perspective and resource-use efficiency. Although it is a more technical and consolidating update than 9001, it remains fundamental for companies aiming to improve their environmental performance and meet the growing demands of sustainability.
Jessica Delgado also offered a "roadmap" for organizations. For those already certified, a transition period of three years opens to adapt to the new requirements. However, the message was also addressed to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do not yet have certifications, encouraging them to adopt these frameworks to improve their competitiveness. Qalma's pedagogical work on local radio precisely seeks to prompt the entrepreneurs of Talavera de la Reina and its surrounding areas to break out of daily routine to reflect on the risks and, above all, the opportunities these regulatory changes bring.
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