Its activities date back to 1986 when the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Science and Technology Fund (UNFSTD) entrusted the execution of TIPS to Devnet, by channelling a considerable contribution made by the Italian government.

In succeeding years, the European Commission through its AL-Invest and Asia Invest programmes, provided substantial funding for the development of the TIPS network in Asia and Latin America.

In Latin America, Devnet has 19 national bureaux and more than 40 provincial or regional extension offices. It has agreements with over 150 business institutions (chambers of industry and commerce), and with regional and international public and private organisations.

In 1985, Devnet set the basis in China for the establishment of one of the most developed commercial and investment network within that country. Such major step was made possible through agreements signed with the Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic Co-operation and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Devnet China has its headquarters in Beijing with more than 30 local offices in major Chinese provinces and cities.

A further Italian contribution, through the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), gave birth to WINNER, an international programme focusing on women entrepreneurs.