NLR knowledge programmes
To implement the strategic themes Sustainable aviation, Competitive aerospace and Safe and secure society, NLR works with a programme-based approach. There are ten programmes, all of which have been meticulously developed on the basis of Dutch public and private stakeholder roadmaps and visions. Within these ten NLR programmes, the necessary knowledge is further developed in projects. The objectives of the programmes, which are coordinated with our stakeholders, give focus to the knowledge projects to be undertaken. We concentrate on the goals that will truly have an impact in the forthcoming period, that help realise NLR’s strategy and that our employees are eager to commit to.
Discover the knowledge programmes
Climate-neutral aviation
Programme Climate-neutral aviation In 2050 the aviation industry, with its knowledge and economic influence, must comply with and contribute towards achieving the Dutch and European climate objectives and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Aviation will be cleaner and quieter, thereby having less of an impact on the climate and environment. With the programme Climate-neutral […]
Impact on people and society
Programme Impact on people and society In today’s world, aviation plays an important role in transporting goods and connecting people all over the globe. At the same time, aviation causes noise nuisance and greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming. Due to its own success, the sector has moved further away from society and the […]
Safe and competitive operations
Programme Safe and competitive operations The aerospace sector has had to deal with several major disruptions in recent years (for instance COVID-19 and the consequent downsizing of operations and then later scaling them up again, staff shortages, economic developments and the war in Ukraine). It is also a sector that is highly sensitive to political […]
Development of air vehicles
Programme Development of air vehicles NLR wants to enable the Dutch aerospace industry to have a competitive share from 2025 – 2050 in the development and production of the next generation low emission aircraft, in programmes for the next generation helicopters, and in new flight concepts. NLR also wants to build knowledge to support Defence […]
Operational availability of materiel
Programme Operational availability of materiel NLR supports Defence, the aviation industry, MRO and maintenance companies and airlines in the development and application of innovative, sustainable solutions for maintenance, inspection and repair. In this way, NLR wants to contribute to the optimisation of the material availability and the cost effective use of aircraft, helicopters, drones, wind […]
Information readiness and operations
Programme Information readiness and operations NLR supports the Dutch government in accelerating the transformation of its operational concepts and systems into information-driven and multi-domain operations. The focus lies on the tactical and operational processes within the aerospace domain. The goal is to speed up these processes, on the basis of better informed decisions. “Information is […]
Future airpower systems & personnel
Programme Future airpower systems & personnel In this programme, NLR is building a leading knowledge position in the field of training and simulation, making aerospace part of information-driven, multidomain and integrated operations. We do this together with our national and international (EU, NATO) partners. The focus lies on knowledge of threat systems and technology, the […]
Space for defence and society
Programme Space for defence and society The space domain plays a crucial role in our daily lives. We rely on satellite data for communication, navigation, monitoring of vital infrastructure, and secure payment transactions. Autonomous access to space data and, consequently, access to space is of strategic importance for the economy and safety of the Netherlands […]
Unmanned and autonomous
Programme Unmanned and autonomous Drones are a key enabler for innovative solutions to tackle rapidly changing societal, economic and security challenges. For the Netherlands to play a role in this, the government and Dutch industry, including start-ups and SMEs, must be able to create innovative drone solutions, platforms and systems in a safe, sustainable and […]
Emerging technologies
Programme Emerging technologies This programme is the breeding ground for new technologies and ideas within NLR. NLR invests in technologies of the future that are widely deployable for NLR and that could have a huge impact on the way that we live, learn, work and produce. Consider, for instance, virtualisation, digitisation, automation, AR/VR, (explainable) artificial […]