Established in 1920 as the British Electrical and Allied Industry Research Association, but generally known as The Electrical Research Association or ERA, the association was jointly funded by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, industry, and member companies. ERA provided research and technology innovation within co-operative electrical research in the UK.

ERA was recognised by the Ministry of Labour as an essential undertaking in 1941 and provided direct assistance to the war effort. during the 1939-1945 war. Its activities included contributions to the development of radar and mine detection equipment.

In 1957, the association opened new laboratories and offices in Leatherhead, Surrey.

The association became The Electrical Research Association Limited in 1969, following a reorganisation of its operating model that enabled the company to derive income from single client and multi-client projects, rather than from member company subscriptions and UK government grants.

In September 1979, ERA formally changed its name from The Electrical Research Association Limited to ERA Technology Limited.