Meet the new supervisory committee

After the temporary Steering Committee, which was responsible for the implementation and further development of the CIIIC program, the Supervisory Committee was recently appointed. Who are its members and what is its role? Here is a short interview with the chairperson Arda Gerkens, who has a strong affinity and extensive professional experience with public values and is well-acquainted with the creative industry, along with an introduction of the other five members.

What is the precise role of the chairperson of the CIIIC Supervisory Committee?

‘I am an independent chairperson, and my role is to empower the supervisory committee to the best of its ability. I will continuously invite the committee to take on its informative, signaling, and advisory roles. Additionally, I am a sparring partner for Heleen Rouw and will maintain close contact with her.’

Why did you say ‘yes’ to this role?

‘When I saw the vacancy, I was immediately intrigued by the theme. I was not aware that there were already so many applications for immersive technology. The use of this technology brings many opportunities, but also many responsibilities. Given my background: I was a member of parliament for eighteen years in both chambers and have always been involved with the darker side of the digital world, I believe I can add value and learn from this world myself.’

What specifically attracts you to immersive technology and new forms of content?

‘As a society, we face an enormous number of challenges, and this technology can play an important role in that. Alongside the digital world, the creative industry (Arda is also the chairman of the Supervisory Board of NVPI, the trade association for the film and music industry, ed.) runs like a common thread throughout my life. I love pioneering, preferably in a creative way; it all comes together here.’

How do you view digital tolerance? What pain points do you see, and what opportunities?

‘The biggest risk of new technologies is that we act before we think. People see development opportunities with great enthusiasm, but they often forget to consider public values. I am concerned about the many digital applications becoming available to the general public for entertainment. Look at what AI does with disinformation. The reflex is often to blame the technology, but that is unfair. It is important to incorporate public values in development. Admittedly, this creates a new area of tension, which can result in enthusiasm being dampened by overregulation. The art is to combine public values and innovation.’

Which developments within immersive do you consider essential to strengthen?

'In terms of privacy, immersive goes much further than the 'ordinary data collection.' The data being collected extends to the body or even the brain of individuals. This requires attention.

Unfortunately, I too often hear people say that Big Tech already knows everything. But we can make privacy by design the standard at an early stage in the development of immersive – this can also become a unique selling point!'

What is your dream or ideal in the field of IX?

'IX is a journey of discovery. It is like sailing over unknown seas to what we think is the edge of the world, but where a new world lies beyond. I still know too little about the applications to describe an ideal; I have boarded this ship precisely to be surprised.'

Finally, what is your personal mission/goal? When will your chairmanship be successful?

'When, in five years, we as a committee can look back with pride and a somewhat nostalgic feeling on a constructive period with satisfied stakeholders.'

The Members of the Supervisory Committee

In addition to chair Arda Gerkens, the Supervisory Committee consists of five members, each with their own expertise and background. 

Joost Raessens — Professor of Media Theory at Utrecht University. Represents the research world.

Gert-Jan Brok — CEO of inMotion VR. Brings the perspective of the creators.

Femke Hameetman — Artistic Director of the Dordrechts Museum Organization. Represents the users.

Matthieu Worm — President of the Virtual Worlds Association and Distinguished Key Expert at Siemens. Brings international experience.

Gyzlene Kramer-Zeroual — Program Director of Strategy and Equal Opportunities at ROC Albeda. Represents education.

Together they form a committee that monitors the progress, quality, and coherence of the CIIIC program. Read more about the Supervisory Committee.