JIIP has its origins in the infomal exchanges between the science, technology and innovation studies (STI) groups of more than 10 research and technology organisations (RTOs) which took place between 2002 and 2005. The four JIIP members found common ground for closer collabaration in their relatively small home markets, in complementarities, in the similarity of their ways of working and in shared ambitions.
In 2007 a Letter of Intent was signed between VTT, TNO and Joanneum Research, soon followed by Tecnalia. In 2008 the framework agreement which governs JIIP was signed by the chairmen of all four member organisations. In that year JIIP also opened its Brussels office. JIIP was launched publicly with a symposium discussing the need for a market for applied research in Europe in January 2009.