The IEEE is committed to working with other National Societies to aid engineers and scientists throughout the world. These cooperative relationships are established through a memorandum of understanding and are known as National Society Agreements.

The IEEE currently has over sixty formal National Society Agreements, spanning thirty eight countries.  Many of the IEEE Technical Societies have supplemental, or additional, agreements known as "Sister Society Agreements" with these National Societies, as well as with industry associations.

The goal of National Society Agreements is to enhance the professional and personal growth of a country's engineers and related fields of interests.  The cooperation is designed to assist in the development and elevation of technical skills, image, professional growth and networking. The cooperation benefits both organizations by increasing publicity, image and interest in engineering and its related fields of interests.  It can also lead to additional volunteer resources. Local IEEE Section and the National Societies develop ideas for cooperation and organize joint events such as

• Technical and social meetings
• Conferences and exhibitions
• Distinguished Lecturers
• Awards
• Seminars, tutorials and short courses
• Publication exchanges

The IEEE is committed to working cooperatively, not competitively, with local organizations in countries throughout the world.  The National Society Agreement approach has been successful by remaining flexible and responsive to different cultures, thought processes, languages and political structures.

Cooperation can also be informal.  The decision of whether to cooperate informally or sign a National Society Agreement depends on the country's culture and the existing relationship between the IEEE Section and the National Society.