At STRATA in the VAE
The Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs, Henk Kamp, launched the public-private knowledge-to-knowledge programme in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) is the project leader of this programme that aims to further promote knowledge exchange between the Dutch and Emirati aerospace sectors, in which composites are a special focal point.The Knowledge tot Knowledge (K-to-K) programme is part of PIB ‘Desert Tulip’, a covenant of Partners for International Business. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is initiating the PIBs in order to promote the Dutch aerospace industry in the UAE by identifying, developing and contracting work for Dutch joint ventures.The aim of the K-to-K programme is to exchange knowledge about the use and maintenance of composite materials. Additionally, this programme strives to promote collaboration between the Dutch composite industry and composite companies, such as STRATA in the UAE. Moreover, the objective is to position the Dutch aerospace sector as the primary partner for parties in the UAE interested in developing composites.
NLR is offering the K-to-K programme together with the Dutch companies KVE and Vision Waves. The first stage consists of a one-week interactive seminar in the UAE. This seminar will be given by KVE, Vision Waves and NLR in late 2014.
A group of engineers from the UAE will then travel to the Netherlands, in order that they may work together on the development of a ‘demonstrator’ that involves manufacturing techniques, such as resin injection and the fibre placement machine. Minister Kamp launched the start of the K-to-K programme at STRATA Manufacturing, in Al Ain. STRATA is a centre of excellence in the field of composite parts manufacturing for the aerospace industry and aims to bolster its knowledge base together with Dutch partners.
In addition to launching the K-to-K programme, Minister Kamp will also become informed about other developments occurring in the UAE’s aerospace industry and possibilities for further cooperation with Dutch industry.
