Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI) concerns the ability of machines to demonstrate intelligent behaviour. AI is set to transform the way in which we live, work and travel. It will help us improve the competitiveness of Dutch industry and develop innovative solutions which will keep us healthy and safe. The big challenge is to bring AI expertise and  domain knowledge together. And that is our strength: we combine different AI technologies with multidisciplinary expertise in order to create responsible system solutions. We do this under the umbrella of Appl.AI (Applied Artificial Intelligence).

The ambition of the ECN part of TNO is to accelerate the energy transition together with knowledge institutions, companies and the government so that in 2050 the Netherlands will have an energy regime free of CO2 emissions. The energy transition also offers the Dutch business community the opportunity to lead the way and to export their innovative products and thus contribute to the energy transition worldwide.

TNO supports industry and government to realise reliable, efficient and sustainable solutions in the building, civil infrastructure and maritime and offshore sectors. With our pioneering role in the development and application of new technologies, we support the Dutch government in managing and maintaining its infrastructure and industry as it expands and consolidates its (international) market position.

Sustainability: the societal challenge of our time. Due to climate change and a critical perspective on the use of raw materials, this issue is high up on the agenda of companies and public authorities. The most important part of the solution is a circular economy. TNO is working on a number of applications and measures to realise this.

The continuing rise of lifestyle-related diseases and chronic disorders means that we need to take a fresh look at health and healthcare, and must combine prevention and treatment. TNO aims to deliver social and technological innovations that can help people make the kind of choices that lead to better health and increased social participation.

In a changing world full of global challenges such as urbanisation, ageing,  digitisation, automation and energy transition, our ambition is to boost the competitiveness of business and improve the well-being of society by increasing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of traffic and transport.

ICT is offering excellent opportunities to solve all kinds of societal challenges, ensuring innovation and continuing economic growth. It is a key area for many sectors and other technologies. The rapid digital transformation of our society requires a framework for action. TNO's ambition is to help its clients to achieve complex digital transformations, using its knowledge of technology, policy and business models.

What should the innovation agenda of the EU and the Netherlands look like? How can we accelerate the energy transition? What new type of fighter aircraft or submarine does the Dutch military need? What would it cost and how much industry and employment would it generate? What legal framework do we need for safe driverless cars? And how can the use of data help us address societal challenges like youth delinquency?