GTS is an abbreviation of “Godkendt Teknologisk Service” which means “approved technological service provider”. “Approved” refers to the official procedure where the Minister of Science, Innovation and Higher Education approves each institute for a period of three years. The approval is given on the basis of technological/professional performance, financial performance and organisational solidity.
The GTS institutes are independent not-for-profit organisations which purpose are to transfer and disseminate technical know-how, new methods and knowledge to industry and society in order to create and increase development. It means that the GTS institutes are independent from political or economic interests and that any profit is reinvested in research and development.
All services are marketed on a commercial and competitive basis in Denmark and abroad. The government does not financially support these services. Therefore, the GTS institutes must develop competences and services, which are attractive in their particular markets.
In general the GTS network has to two main functions:
- To develop and maintain the basic technological infrastructure in Denmark.
- To create technological innovation and development within Danish industry.
Research and development
The GTS institutes are involved in research and development projects in cooperation with companies, universities and research institutions in Denmark and abroad. Government-approved institutes have the opportunity to apply for government-financed performance contracts to finance applied research with the purpose to develop, transform and communicate new and existing knowledge and technology to companies and institutions.
The performance contracts can also focus on developing new technological infrastructure such as testing facilities and laboratories.
Technological service in the Danish research and innovation system
The core function of the GTS network is to deliver technological know-how to companies and public institutions in order to increase innovation and competitiveness of the Danish industry and society. This is being done in close corporation with Danish and foreign universities.
The GTS network develops competences, know-how, methods and technological services, which is not available in the private sector, but are strongly relevant for Danish industries. The GTS network thereby ensures that the newest knowledge and know-how is available to the Danish industries.
The GTS network reaches a broad part of the private sector. Due to the GTS network a larger part of Danish companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises, are in contact with the Danish innovation system, ensuring that knowledge gets translated into value.
GTS in the international perspective
The GTS institutes are increasingly internationalising its commercial activities all over the world. In 2010 nearly 40 percent of the commercial turnover came from abroad. Some institutes are already represented in a range of countries; some even mostly rely on exporting their services.
Despite international expansion the core of the knowledge base is still located in Denmark, though development activities outside Denmark is starting to flourish. The large majority of foreign offices are located in Sweden, Norway and Western European countries whereas a few offices exist in North America, Russia and East Asia.
The GTS institutes play an important role in the Danish participation in global knowledge exchange and import. The network has a responsibility in adapting and transferring global knowledge to the local context through participation in international research and development projects, e.g. the European research programs and through formal and informal relations with universities and research institutions abroad.