The Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. (VDE) is one of the largest European associations which support the concerns of the industries and professions from the electro-technology and information technology segments. With approx. 36,000 members, it represents a platform for science, standardisation and product testing that works in an interdisciplinary manner. Its declared goals are the strengthening of the innovation location of Germany and the related qualified promotion of junior personnel. The VDE was founded in 1893 in Berlin.