Study calls for better recognition of RTOs

Research and technology organisations reported to be sometimes “invisible” to governments, limiting their impact

Research and technology organisations—such as Germany’s 75 Fraunhofer institutes—need better recognition to have economic and social impact, according to a new study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

RTOs are non-profit organisations that work with the public and private sector to produce technological and social innovations, but the study suggests that the varying models of these organisations has led to confusion over their role and makes them “invisible or fragmented in national statistics”.