VITO is a Flemish government organisation and has the status of a public limited company. The Flemish government is its sole shareholder. This fairly unique statutory position simultaneously guarantees absolute (scientific) independence as well as a natural association with the (Flemish) government.
VITO would like to stimulate sustainable development in Flanders and to reinforce the economic and social position by providing innovative technological solutions and scientifically substantiated advice and support. In doing so,
VITO consciously positions itself as an independent and client-oriented research organisation towards the industrial sector, while continuing to be one of the driving forces behind Flemish innovation policy and a structural government partner in a number of other policy themes, such as energy and the environment. Thus VITO has made a conscious decision to work for the government as well as the industrial sector. Of course, in doing so, (scientific) independence is an absolute necessity.
With more than 550 highly qualified employees, VITO is the largest Flemish technological research organisation. Energy, the environment, sustainable development and technological innovation are important research themes and perfectly complement the corresponding areas of competence of the Flemish government. A multidisciplinary approach and continuity of scientific research are major distinguishing factors from, for example, universities.
Through scientific networks and participation in numerous European research projects VITO is closely involved in European policy development and decision making regarding the aforementioned policy themes. This involvement in European organisations and consultative bodies is seen as a major benefit for collaborating with local authorities. Because VITO is a government organisation, the Flemish government is able to mandate VITO to take part in these discussions on its behalf.
The partnership between VITO and the Flemish government has been established in a management agreement. The current management agreement was concluded only recently (January 2008) and runs until the end of 2012. This management agreement addresses agreements with the Flemish government regarding organisation and management, tasks and objectives, financing, etc. It also contains agreements on a number of recurring supporting activities by VITO for the Flemish government – the so-called reference tasks.
