What term describes the goal of substantial agreement among interest groups in standards development?

The term that describes the goal of substantial agreement among interest groups in standards development is consensus. Consensus refers to a general agreement or shared understanding reached by multiple parties involved in the process, which is particularly important in developing standards that affect various stakeholders. Achieving consensus ensures that the resulting standards are broadly acceptable, promote safety, and meet the needs of all involved parties, fostering a cooperative environment for implementation.

In standards development, it's crucial to have contributions and input from different interest groups, as this diverse participation helps address various concerns and perspectives. When consensus is achieved, it signifies that the standards have been crafted in a way that most, if not all, parties can agree upon, thus enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of those standards in practice.