This paper takes a policy-analytical perspective on the evolution of standards of research information (RI) and provides a framework for analysing processes of RI standardisation in different research systems. It focuses on the choice of policy instruments on the macro level (government) and their effects with regard to policy reactions, decisions and practices on the meso level (Higher Education institutions). Next to providing a conceptual frame for analysing and comparing--direct and indirect--RI standardisation processes, the paper presents exploratory evidence with regard to the German and Italian science systems. The empirical analysis shows that policies (indirectly) regulating the institutional processing of RI (e.g., evaluation policies) might indeed lead to the standardisation of RI in a science system. Policy reactions on the meso or organisational level, which largely shape the standardisation dynamics, depend on the strategic relevance of the policy and on available implementation support.