Entre ces quelques 700 laboratoires (laboratoires nationaux de metrologie, laboratoires d'analyses chimiques, laboratoires d'essais technologiques), le Bureau Communautaire de Reference a suscite le developpement d'une collaboration etroite qui s'etend a present a d'autres activites que celles de son programme.
Among these 700 or so laboratories (national metrology laboratories, chemical analysis laboratories, technological testing laboratories), the Community Bureau of Reference has stimulated the development of close cooperation that now extends to areas of activity other than those laid down in the programme.