They regroup, in a defined key-sector, research and innovation actors – industries, SMEs, public and private research. They are coordinated by industrial leaders on the sector. This structure will allow the developing of a useful R&D policy that will be accepted by the industry.

The European Technology Platforms should:

• Stimulate European research;
• Help increase R&D investments in quality and quantity in key sectors, in order to improve the competitiveness and create jobs thanks to innovation and R&D;
• Accelerate innovation in the key sectors;
• Cut down barriers which slow down the transformation of new technologies into added value for the economy;
• Define the sector’s long-term objectives in a "Vision Paper" and a "Strategic Research Agenda" with specific R&D objectives to be reached in this sector.