Interview with Mr. R.C. (Ron) Nulkes, Director, NIDV Foundation
Mr. R.C. (Ron) Nulkes, Director, NIDV Foundation, gave an exclusive interview to Epicos regarding the 30th NIDV Symposium and Exhibition. Among others, he stated that: “It is the only comprehensive event for industry, politics, government agencies and knowledge institutes in the Benelux with a focus on defence and security. Top speakers from the government, knowledge institutes and industry will give their perspective on today’s global challenges in the area of security. Within one day, you get the possibility to talk to all of them”.
On November 15th 2018 the NIDV is organizing the 30th Symposium & Exhibition in Rotterdam. Can you please give us more information on this event?
The event is organized since 30 years and developed from a small event with a few tables for the companies to an international exhibition with about 100 exhibitors and 2,500 visitors. This is year is a special edition for us. It’s not only the 30th edition but we also have the honour to welcome the King of the Netherlands to the Symposium. Next to that the minister of Defence and the state secretary of Defence will be present, too.
It is the only comprehensive event for industry, politics, government agencies and knowledge institutes in the Benelux with a focus on defence and security. Top speakers from the government, knowledge institutes and industry will give their perspective on today’s global challenges in the area of security. Within one day, you get the possibility to talk to all of them.
The focus of this year’s Symposium & Exhibition is “International collaboration”. Can you please elaborate on this concept?
The current geopolitical situation requires that the Netherlands also increasingly collaborate internationally with regard to security issues. International parties include NATO and the EU, as well as a wide range of binational and multinational partnerships. Dutch industry needs to align itself with these partnerships, especially in the areas of research, development, equipment production and IT, but also with regard to staff exchanges and retention.
On the one hand, much funding is made available to progress towards closer collaboration within Europe in the area of Defence and Security. The NIDV wants to keep its members updated on these developments as much as possible, so that the companies can decide for themselves whether or not to take part in European initiatives.
On the other hand, countries want to protect their economies, support their own industry and remain sovereign states. A level playing field in Europe will be difficult to establish in the decades to come. Nonetheless, international collaboration is essential in a time of geopolitical threats.
International collaboration, the theme of the NIDV Symposium 2018 to be held on 15 November at the Ahoy Rotterdam, requires the efforts of the Netherlands and its partner countries.
How many participants are you expecting this year?
We expect to be able to welcome around 2,500 visitors.
Can you please describe the profile of the NIDV’s Symposium & Exhibition participant?
The exhibition is a business-to-business and business-to-government event which is exclusively for professionals who (would like to) do business in the defence and security sector.
What are the main benefits a company may have by participating in the event?
You can take advantage of unique opportunities to make new contacts, present your company, services and products to a large audience, as well as meet with your existing business partners.
Where can people find the event registration forms?
You can All information can be found on our website:
https://www.nidvexhibition.eu/en/
Is the NIDV Symposium APP going to be available to participants also this year? Can you please highlight the advantages this application offer?
The app is available for all participants and you will receive an invitation to register to the app as soon as your application for participation is approved. The app offers a list of all participants, a floor map, the complete programme and informs you about important moments throughout the Symposium-day. Next to that, you can use the app to get in touch with other participants and plan meetings with them.
Is there anything else that that you would like to add?
NIDV is more than happy that His Royal Highness, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, being truly interested in defence and security, will visit the yearly top event of the Defence and Security sector of The Netherlands.
