The Rathenau Institute is independent and targets the conclusions and results of its projects to the Dutch parliament. The Institute is part of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences. Once every two years the lower chamber discusses the Institute's work programme, in which the most important themes for the coming period are presented. Usually the Institute takes care of the project management only. The Institute often cooperates with other organisations, research institutes and universities.
Projects often last over a year, especially when more thorough investigations are necessary.
There are, however, also examples of rapid research aimed at current events, such as reports to parliament on telecommunications and the true costs of passenger transport. After concluding a project a report is sent to parliament, i.e. a concise summary of the project with the focal points, conclusions and recommendations. The Institute has a Board of nine members who are nominated by the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Scientific Council for Government Policy. The Ministry of Education and Science appoints the members of the board. The Tasks of the Rathenau Institute are recorded in the institutional decree of the Ministry of Education and Science of 19 April 1994.