Mission, vision and strategy
NLR has been an ambitious applied research organisation for over 100 years, driven to make aerospace more sustainable, safer, efficient and effective through innovation. In an objective and independent manner, we are now laying the foundation for future-oriented, meaningful societal impact.
In a rapidly changing world, mobility and stability needs are constantly evolving. Aware of the social urgency, NLR ensures that promising concepts quickly see the light of day and transform into groundbreaking solutions or incremental improvements.. We do this by combining a deep understanding of customer needs, multidisciplinary expertise and the use of our leading research facilities. Using this approach, NLR plays a pivotal role between science, industry and government at home and abroad, bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications.
NLR takes the lead in achieving Dutch and European objectives. Together with our partners, we are working hard on a resilient and sustainable mobility system, and we support Dutch Defence in all military domains, with space and cyberspace playing an increasingly prominent role. From its main locations in Amsterdam and Marknesse, along with two satellite offices, NLR contributes to a safer and more sustainable society while strengthening the competitive position of the Dutch industry.
Mission
We are making aerospace more sustainable, safer, more efficient and more effective. Innovative solutions and practical recommendations reinforce the commercial sector’s competitiveness and help find solutions for social issues. We work objectively both for and with national and international companies and governmental bodies.
Vision
The challenges facing the world of aerospace always seem to outweigh current technological solutions. Continuously linking in-depth understandings of our customers’ needs to state-of-the-art knowledge and research facilities is the only way to let us keep up with the quick pace of innovative development. In this sense, we act as the connecting link between science, the world of trade and industry, and government.
Strategy
With the Strategy Plan 2026 – 2029, we lay an important foundation for a safer, more sustainable, and more competitive future for the Netherlands. We focus on addressing complex societal challenges and changing geopolitical circumstances, with an emphasis on safety and competitiveness. Our vision is to support the Dutch government and businesses in their search for innovative solutions, particularly by paying attention to high-tech startups and scale-ups.
NLR plays a pioneering role in the Netherlands as the connecting link between science, business, society, and government, with the aim of taking an important step towards a safer, more sustainable, and more competitive future for the Netherlands. The NLR Strategy Plan outlines our ambitions and describes how we will achieve them, with a healthy balance between short-term and long-term research. Download our Strategy Plan below (Dutch only).
Strategy Plan 2026 – 2029 (Dutch only)
