On 3 February, the Technical University of Twente and the Thales Group signed a cooperation agreement. This agreement covers the establishment of the so-called 'T xchange Cell'. For this purpose Thales has stationed a small number of employees on the University campus. Managed by Dick Arnold (director Thales Research Nederland), this cooperation focuses on the exchange of knowledge and the formation of the notion of 'innovation engineering'. In this context, an important role is reserved for 'gaming'. For instance in brainstorm sessions, simulation and virutual reality tools will be made available.
Arno Peels, Director of Thales Nederland, emphasizes that the strength of the cooperation lies in the direct connection between theory and practice. Both the University and Thales will benefit from it as they will gain knowledge more quickly. Frans van Vught (rector of the University) said that this cooperation constitutes a new step int eh development of the knowledge economy in the Netherlands.