IAPR came into official existence in January 1978. Following the Second International Conference on Pattern Recognition in 1974 in Copenhagen, the Standing Committee approved the proposal to establish a permanent international professional organization; two years later, the Constitution was approved in Coronado and Executive Officers were elected.
Today, the responsibility for the day-to-day running of IAPR is delegated to an Executive Committee, assisted by Standing and ad hoc committees. The authority of the Association is vested in the Governing Board, composed of representatives of the member organizations, who decide all important matters such as general policy, the programme of activities, admissions, elections, and budget.