CLICdp was set-up in 2012 and is organised as outlined in a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), with CERN as the host laboratory. CLICdp focuses on detector and physics studies as well as hardware R&D relevant for future experiments at CLIC.

The entity for the ultimate decisions on CLICdp is the Institute Board, in which each partner is represented by one member. Groups or Institutes can become partners in CLICdp by decision of the Institute Board (qualified majority), and by signing a Signature Form.

Presently, the MoC has been signed by 30 partners, as shown in the List of Institutes.