Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO; Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research) is an independent research organization in the Netherlands that focuses on applied science. The organization also conducts contract research, offers specialist consulting services, and grants licenses for patents and specialist software. TNO tests and certifies products and services, and issues independent evaluations of quality. Moreover, TNO sets up new companies to market innovations. TNO was established by law in 1932 to support companies and governments with innovative, practicable knowledge. As a statutory organization, TNO has an independent position that allows it to give objective, scientifically founded judgments. It is similar to the following: CSIR in Ghana CSIR in India CSIR in South Africa CSIRO in Australia Fraunhofer Society in Germany SINTEF in Norway Furthermore, TNO also held 10% of the Austrian research center Joanneum Research from 2004 to 2014. TNO fulfills the role of innovator on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, and the Geological Survey of the Netherlands. In these cases, TNO is entrusted with government responsibilities related to defense and security, workforce participation, and the Geological Survey. TNO's strategy is based on technological advances and trends in society. The work of TNO is focused on 9 domains that are in line with the challenges and goals of the national economic policy, based on so-called Top Sectors, and with social issues relevant to The Netherlands and Europe. TNO is a not-for-profit knowledge organization. To ensure continuity the organization generates a modest profit to fund investments, ensure continuity in knowledge development, and a sustainable and healthy financial position. The Early Research Programmes and Shared Innovation Programmes are always funded in part with public funds. The knowledge created in this way is subsequently further developed as part of public-private research with partners; this process is also referred to as "shared innovation".