Information readiness and operations – background interview

Faster processes, better-informed decisions, and greater strategic agility: the NLR knowledge programme Information readiness and operations (Dutch: IGO) supports the Dutch government in its transition to information-driven and multi-domain operations. The focus is on collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defence. “IGO is about creating strategic advantage through information”, programme leader Wouter van Engelen says. “Whoever understands and applies information more quickly, increases their operational effectiveness and resilience. ”

“Information is not an afterthought, but a key operational factor”

–  Programme leader Wouter van Engelen

What does the knowledge programme entail?

“Information readiness and operations is not a static system or an off-the-shelf solution; it is a strategic knowledge programme. At its core lies the entire information lifecycle: from gathering and analysing data to interpreting and ultimately turning it into actionable insights.

• The ‘I’ stands for achieving information superiority.
• The ‘G’ stands for informed decision-making.
• The ‘O’ stands for operational effectiveness.

Within the Defence Vision 2035, information-driven operations have been categorised as a top priority. In line with this goal, NLR helps bridge the gap between strategy and practice by developing targeted knowledge, conducting experiments, and creating new methodologies. We take a holistic approach, exploring the interplay between ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), Command & Control (C2), cyber, and the cognitive aspects of decision-making.

In practice, this means we take disparate data streams, such as sensor data from unmanned aircraft, satellite imagery, cyber indicators, and open-source intelligence, and fuse them into a comprehensive picture. By harnessing the power of data fusion and AI-driven analysis these sources are integrated into command and control processes. The result is a coherent and usable image that enables the Dutch Ministry of Defence to make faster, more informed, and more effective decisions in a dynamic  environment.”

What are the vision and mission of the programme?

“Our vision is for a government that masters the power of information, instead of simply using it. In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, we aim to create an organisation that can anticipate threats, coordinate effects across multiple domains, and stay strategically agile at all times.

To achieve this, we are focused on building a robust foundation for information-driven operations. We are developing new methodologies that enable a data-driven approach, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI and advanced data analytics to uncover hidden patterns.

At the heart of our approach is the integration of human and machine capabilities. We believe that technology should augment human intuition and expertise, rather than replace it. By optimising this synergy and bolstering our cyber and information resilience, we are laying the groundwork for a safer future. Ultimately, decision-making will always be a human responsibility, but our efforts will ensure that decision-makers are better informed and more empowered than ever before.”

Human-Machine Teaming

“As data volumes grow exponentially, , full human analysis is simply no longer feasible. As a result, the human role is evolving to focus on what really matters: interpreting insights, making informed decisions, and providing context, all supported by AI systems where possible.

Trust, transparency, and robustness are paramount in this regard. Especially within the European context, it is crucial that autonomous systems remain under human control when making high-risk decisions. While humans retain ultimate responsibility, AI support becomes indispensable for effective operation in this fast-paced data environment.”

What is the impact of new technologies on the Dutch Ministry of Defence?

“The Dutch Ministry of Defence currently operates across five domains – land, sea, air, space, and cyber – with the cognitive dimension playing an increasingly prominent role. Information is the key factor that unites these domains. The aerospace domain, in particular, is becoming increasingly reliant on networks, satellites, and digital systems. While this enhances operational effectiveness, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. That is why cyber resilience and comprehensive protection of our information chains are essential.

The IGO programme is specifically geared to address this integration. We are researching ways to connect sensors, decision-making, and effects seamlessly across domains to prevent fragmentation. Our objective is clear: to build lasting knowledge and capabilities, rather than just providing ad-hoc solutions, so that we can achieve a sustainable and unified information advantage.”

The future

“In the years ahead, information will be the decisive factor in determining operational success. Effective action across multiple domains requires seamless integration of ISR, C2, cyber, and cognitive effects. This calls for a fundamental shift in how we develop our knowledge – from reactive initiatives to a structured approach. Ongoing conflicts, such as in the Ukraine, highlight the critical importance of satellite data, open sources, and digital resilience in modern warfare. Meanwhile, the technology underpinning these tools is advancing at an incredible pace. Continuous research and experimentation are therefore crucial to maintain our edge. That is why IGO is not designed as a static endpoint, but set up as a sustainable growth model. Step by step, we are building a robust knowledge foundation for the Dutch Ministry of Defence and other vital government organisations.”