Around the turn of the century, the idea arose to organise a meeting of technically oriented people with a defence background to have a mutual reflection on the application of technology within defence. There were a number of important reasons for this. View the programme of the first Kooy symposium in 2002 here.
Great technological ambition
The ambition level of the Dutch armed forces is high: to be technically and operationally at the forefront of larger nations, which are larger or much larger in terms of force size. In such a 'high-tech' organisation, complex technological systems and processes need to be well controlled and understood. Knowledge and feeling for future possibilities and boundaries is of great importance here. Only then can the role of 'smart integrator', 'smart specifier', 'smart buyer' and 'smart user' towards knowledge institutes and industry be properly fulfilled.
To realise this ambition, it is desirable to make the best and most efficient use of all experience and knowledge available in the Netherlands in the field of armed forces technology.
Need for specialised staff
It is difficult for the armed forces to attract and retain enough specialised personnel. In addition, there is pressure to reduce support services that do not contribute in a direct sense to the core business of providing combat power.
Mutual information sharing can help trigger a concerted approach by all parties involved in defence technology to increase interest in it.
Technology does not come naturally
Within defence, technology is often seen as an ingredient available 'off the shelf'. There is no concern about its availability.
In addition, there is a political preference to buy products 'off the shelf'. Often from abroad. This is done on the assumption that the armed forces can thus be supplied with equipment with less risk and for less money.
However, knowledge and experience is then generated outside the Netherlands and ultimately has to be paid for. The potential of knowledge, technology and industry in the Netherlands is not challenged to develop new products. Present knowledge is diluted and less available for the aforementioned personnel and material needs within and outside defence.
Cooperation between industry, knowledge institutes and defence
As indicated earlier, much relevant knowledge is present in the Netherlands among defence, the knowledge institutes and defence-related industry. This industry and the knowledge institutes play an important and essential role in finding sufficient political support for large defence technology investment projects.
It therefore seemed a good idea to bring together the three parties: defence, knowledge institutes and industry as a joint technology carrier community to raise awareness, as well as to have an opportunity to exchange views among themselves on technology-focused topics.
This was called the "Golden Triangle" a few years later.
Historical aspect
To deepen the perspective of the meeting, a presentation on a historical Dutch defence technology aspect would also be held. After all, knowledge of history puts a topic in a broader perspective and can also be inspiring.
Initiative
Initiators of the first Kooy symposium in 2001 were Peter Rooijmans on behalf of industry and Gerben Klein Baltink on behalf of the knowledge institutes. Jan Vriends of the KMA and Sjef Pijls of the KIM were quick to fill in the third side of the technology triangle.
The relationship with KIVI NIRIA Defence and Security (then called KIVI NIRIA Defence Technology) was quickly established. The KIVI NIRIA association provided an excellent platform to realise the plans and the associated Kooy fund a source from which to cover the necessary costs to be incurred.
TNO and APA, the association of technical officers of the Royal Netherlands Army also joined the cooperation.
Growth
The first symposium in 2001 was a success and invited a sequel. This led to an annual symposium that can now be called a tradition.
Future
At present, it can be noted, that the above thoughts are still as relevant as ever. KIVI NIRIA Defence and Security, the Kooy Fund, APA and TNO therefore continue to actively contribute to Kooy symposia whenever possible. Now and in the future.