The European Centre for Innovation in Rail Technology (IZBE) was founded in the year 2000 starting as a local network in Saxony. The aim of the members is to cooperate within an independent branch organisation of enterprises, practise advisers and research organisations active in rail technology. The IZBE offers a platform for communication between its members, sets up targeted contacts to third parties (i.e. non-members), and organises joint development projects and similar activities.