1. ERF has associates in many European countries and has a world-wide user base. 
2. Each associate has a strong multidisciplinary interaction of scientific research and high technology instrumentation and engineering
3. ERF associates serve tens of thousands of users including an estimated 20% connected directly or indirectly to industry
4. ERF associates provide advanced training of scientists and engineers.
5. The ERF associates have a proven track record of coordinating resources to realise the common European Research Area.
6. Each associate brings together researchers from university and industry so effecting knowledge transfer
7. ERF associates have several decades of experience of technology transfer including successful spin-off companies

The ERF is therefore operating in the centre of the Research, Training and Innovation triangle and is in a position to contribute with experience and authority to the development of the EIT concept.