diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 4efdc3966..48fa1f559 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@ cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.5)
 
 project(open_simulation_interface)
 
+# set default compiler
+set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 11)
+
 # Set a default build type if none was specified
 set(default_build_type "Release")
 if(EXISTS "${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/.git")