Sustainable Neighbourhood Logistics

The Sustainable Neighbourhood Logistics project has been completed. Want to know more? 

• Check out the magazine about the findings of the project 

• Read an interview with the researchers about the results 

Promising business models 

Many SME entrepreneurs who want to set up a hub face obstacles in practice. For example, space for hubs is scarce and expensive, and the profit margin on logistics services is low. In addition, hub services can lead to negative effects in the immediate living environment, such as traffic congestion and unsafety, and annoyance due to incorrectly parked (shared) vehicles. 

With our research, we helped SME entrepreneurs develop promising business models that contribute to the viability of their business, but also to the livability, accessibility, climate resilience, and economic vitality of neighbourhoods. 

Susanne Balm Project leader and researcher 

Three areas 

The Sustainable Neighbourhood Logistics project focused on three areas, each with its own characteristics. The first is a historical city centre, the second is a thoroughfare, and the third is a campus. As a result, the research developed practical knowledge for various application areas. 

• The 9 Straatjes, in the canal district of Amsterdam: a catering and shopping area with world heritage status and vulnerable bridges and quays. 

• The Knowledge Mile, on a thoroughfare in Amsterdam East: an innovation district where there will be more space for greenery, entertainment, and slow traffic. 

• Campus Heijendaal in Nijmegen: a green, lively area with a large flow of students, staff, and visitors. 

Methodology 

With which joint business models and under which conditions can urban logistics service providers deliver sustainable value with hubs? To answer the main question of the research, a joint business model for hubs was developed for each area. 

This was done using open collaborative business modelling. In workshops and interviews, ideas were generated and evaluated to bring together the services of various SME entrepreneurs at hubs. How can SME partners create a return with this? What does this require from mutual collaboration and collaboration with local authorities and other parties involved? And does it lead to the intended sustainability goals, including CO2 reduction? 

After drawing up the concept business models, these were tested in the three areas with stakeholders. In addition, the researchers looked at (steering) the behaviour of hub users. The purpose of this was to design behavioural interventions that promote the sustainable outcomes of the business model. The research thus combined knowledge of urban logistics, entrepreneurship, and behavioural psychology. 

Education 

Within this project, the HvA established the connection between research and education in various ways: 

• Teacher-researchers and students from various study programs researched together how to increase the sustainability of the business models. 

• Teacher-researchers brought case studies from the project into various study programs. 

• Guest lectures were given by researchers and field partners. 

• Via Communities of Practice and Learning Communities. 

Team 

• Susanne Balm (project leader) 

• Walther Ploos van Amstel 

• Koos Johannes 

• Sander Wilmsen 

• Ingrid Wakkee 

Partners and funding 

The research was co-financed by Regieorgaan SIA, with the RAAK-mkb regulation. In the project, the HvA is collaborating with the Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen, nine SME entrepreneurs, three area-oriented organizations, two knowledge institutions, and the municipality of Amsterdam.