Organisational structure

TNO was founded in 1932 and established by law as the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. Our goal is to make information accessible to businesses and governments. As an organisation governed by public law, we maintain an independent position. Our organisation consists of a Supervisory Board, Executive Board, Council for Defence Research, services organisation and six units.

Supervisory Board

The TNO Supervisory Board is responsible for supervising the policies of the Executive Board and advising them.

Executive Board

The TNO Executive Board is charged with managing the organisation and has full authorisation to do so insofar as this is not ascribed to other bodies according to the TNO Act.

Council for Defence Research

In addition to the Executive Board, there is the Council for Defence Research. With due regard for the responsibilities of the Executive Board, the Council decides on policies regarding the defence arm of TNO.

Services organisation and 6 units

TNO has a services organisation and 6 units:

Services organisatie:

  • Human Resources (HR)

  • Business Information & Operations Services (BIOS)

  • Marketing & Communications (M&C)

  • Finance, Procurement, Legal (FP&L)

  • Strategy

Units

TNO has 6 units. See an overview of these units below.

Energy & Materials Transition

TNO is internationally recognised as a leading and independent centre for applied energy and materials research and the knowledge centre for the subsurface and for quantifying gas emissions. We take an agenda-setting, initiating, and supporting role in the energy and materials transition.

Defence, Safety & Security

Safety cannot be taken for granted. That is why we use our knowledge and technology to create innovations for people who are committed to our peace and security. Whether it concerns defense, police, justice and security, business or others. We are the allies of military and security professionals.

Health & Work

Diseases and chronic disorders related to our lifestyle are on the increase. We must, therefore, look at health and care in a different way, and combine prevention and treatment. At TNO, we’re working on social and technological innovations that help people make choices for better health and greater participation in society.

High Tech Industry

TNO High Tech Industry works with local, regional, and international partners to enable effective, sustainable, and revolutionary technological innovation.

ICT, Strategy & Policy

This unit focusses primarily on digital technologies and transition methodologies, which are central drivers and enablers, as well as in relation to economic growth opportunities.

Mobility & Built Environment

In the Mobility & Built Environment (MBE) unit, we work on solutions for more efficient transport, sustainable living, and future-proof infrastructure, among other things.

Learn more about our organisation

Would you like to know what drives us?

See our mission and vision.