A working group is an ad hoc group of subject-matter experts working together to achieve specified goals. The groups are domain-specific and focus on discussion or activity around a specific area subject area. The term can sometimes refer to an interdisciplinary collaboration of researchers working on new activities that would be difficult to sustain under traditional funding mechanisms (e.g., federal agencies).

The lifespan of a working group can last anywhere between a few months and several years. Such groups have the tendency to develop a quasi-permanent existence once the assigned task is accomplished; hence the need to disband (or phase out) the working group once it has achieved its goal(s).

Examples of common goals for working groups include:

Working groups are also referred to as task groups, workgroups, or technical advisory groups.