A forum of experts led by the industry and recognized by the governments of the target regions as key actors in the call for public-private partnerships to promote innovation and competitiveness, and the transfer of knowledge (source: Mexican Technological Platform based on in the definition of the European Commission).

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The Technology Platform model was adopted by the European Union, forming expert groups by specialties. The European Technology Platforms (ETPs) have been key vehicles for promoting innovation, knowledge transfer and competitiveness in this economic region. ETPs intervene in the development of  Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIA) and roadmaps for action at the national level of member countries, supported by public and private funding. ​The European Commission participates in the activities of the ETPs as an observer, influencing their strategy through an open and structured dialogue on research priorities in order to maintain the region's competitiveness.

 

This model was initially adapted jointly by five Latin American countries participating in Project FIRST to promote cooperation around the Future Internet, developing the Latin American Technology Platform (LATP) model based on a structure of Thematic Groups (TWGs) by specialty, convened at the national level in each participating country.

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Under this perspective, a Technology Platform is not an infrastructure, it is a working group under a structure made up of experts who focus on the identification of technological trends, market requirements and regional and cooperation priorities in order to create a Research and Innovation Agenda under a governance recognized by its members.