Research Ann Verhetsel

Abstract

SPINE's vision is to accelerate the progress towards climate neutrality by reinforcing PT systems through their smart integration with new mobility services, sharing schemes, active transport modes, and micromomibilty. SPINE adopts an equity centred design thinking approach, leading the transition to a more efficient, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive PT system. A network of collaborative LLs is developed to foster transferability, while an intersectional view of the transport system users is applied. Four Lead City LLs in Antwerp, Bologna, Tallin and Las Palmas will be established, and a series of co-creation activities will take place for the development of innovative mobility solutions, advancing existing assets. The SPINE approach involves the creation of (a) innovative simulation and Digital Twining (DT) tools, along with open data and behavioural models, that will allow the building of scenarios combining different mobility interventions (push and pull measures along with supporting policies) and the implementation of the most promising ones; (b) data-driven impact assessment models that will foster the twinning, transferability and adaptation of the successful solutions of the four LLs in seven Twining Cities - Barreiro, Valladolid, Zilina, Sibenik, Hrakleion, Gdynia and Rouen. SPINE sets a high ambitious plan for the co-design and implementation of 55 smart greens inclusive mobility solutions. The SPINE consortium brings together a multidisciplinary team of 39 partners from 16 countries. The unique mix of experienced transport engineers, Public transport Operators, computer scientists, data analysts, transport modelers, social scientists, urban planners, policy analysts, software providers, within our consortium assures the comprehensive approach to the challenges, scope, expected impact and the successful delivery of the project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Coenegrachts Elnert
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

TOD-IS-RUR focuses on Transit Oriented Development (TOD), conceiving public transport as a backbone for socially Inclusive and environmentally Sustainable urbanisation in European Rural-Urban Regions (RURs). If Europe is to make a transition to inclusive and sustainable urbanisation, this extension of TOD to RURs is essential, as most Europeans live in RURs, not just in urban cores. TOD-IS-RUR sets up an interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral network to analyse, develop and test-case innovative approaches countering sprawl in RURs by bringing in expertise from urban studies and drawing on a wide-range of European contexts. The 9 Beneficiaries and 12 Partner Organisations create a unique platform for 10 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), providing expert-level training in analysing and improving TOD for RURs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Block Greet
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Vanoutrive Thomas
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The University of Antwerp (Department of Transport and Regional Economics) and BNP Paribas Fortis have teamed to set up a Chair in transport, logistics and ports. Through the Chair, the University and the bank want to be able to react quickly and efficiently to new developments in the sea and logistics world. That world is constantly changing, and that is also true for the port and logistics sector. Large, new powers like India and Brazil will influence the transport sector. This Chair will respond to such issues, as well as to new trends in the field of logistics. There are also issues to act on at the micro level. For instance, once e-commerce gains strong ground, it will have consequences for the transport sector, the type of commodity flows, and the route that they follow. In the frame of this Chair, conferences and seminars will be organized to tackle these issues.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Sys Christa
• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Sys Christa
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Since 2018, the citizen science project Straatvinken generates data on traffic and liveability in streets in the region of Flanders. This has resulted in several rich databases. The aim if this project is to valorise these data for societally relevant research. First, the data collection and cleaning procedure of the yearly traffic counts will be optimised. Second, data from a vehicle classification survey (n = 1,000) will be analysed to investigate data quality, and third, the data will be used to explain differences in the number and share of transport modes across streets in a variety of geographical contexts.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanoutrive Thomas
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The rise in e-commerce led to the advent of the on-demand economy with ever faster, cheaper and more personalised deliveries. This new consumer mindset severely complicates traditional retail and logistics processes and is reshaping their physical landscapes (Dablanc, 2019; Hagberg et al., 2016). Resultantly, this evolution changed the requirements of service provisions in and around urban areas, challenging local authorities to manage the urban fabric. Recent literature in the fields of consumer behaviour, economic geography and urban logistics recognized these issues and studies the impact hereof (Birkin et al., 2017; Donaldy, 2013; Heitz et al., 2018). Yet, each of these studies remain within the cocoons of established research fields, applying a retail or logistics perspective. The proposed research tackles the mentioned issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, considering retail and logistics as an integrated system and assessing their common impact through a geographical lens. This is done in three steps. First, the evolution of the demand and supply for retail and logistics services is studied. Second, the evolved demand and supply are contrasted by calculating two indices. One indicating omni-channel retail accessibility and another measuring urban retail and logistics performances in the on-demand economy. Third, the work is completed by studying how urban policy makers can better manage the ongoing integration of both sectors in dense urban areas.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Fellow: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to develop strategies for SNCB to deal with uncertain future developments concerning the demand for passenger rail transport. These strategies will be developed based on multiple scenarios, which in turn are identified based on scientific literature, trends and forecasts. Best-practices from foreign rail operators are identified. The main focus of the scenarios is on disruptions of passenger behaviour, leading to a potential change in the demand for passenger rail transport. Amongst others, ageing and sanitary disruptions, such as for instance COVID-19, are included in the analysis. Ageing is treated in the broad sense, i.e. with respect to digitalisation and physical mobility. For each scenario a strategy is developed, well defined within the scope of the priority objectives of SNCB. The strategies also take into account SNCB's aim to shift part of peak demand to the off-peak period. Consequently, an optimal strategy to be followed by SNCB is formulated, i.e. a strategy that is as robust as possible with respect to the different above mentioned scenarios.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Langhe Katrien
• Co-promoter: Sys Christa
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In 2015 a report was published by the University of Antwerp: "Socio-economic impact of the port of Antwerp on the hinterland". This report was part of a Framework Agreement between the University of Antwerp and the Province of Antwerp. The Antwerp Port Authority, Province of Antwerp and Antwerp University endorse the economic and social importance of the port of Antwerp. For this purpose, the three parties want an up-to-date view of the socio-economic impact of the port of Antwerp and initiate a new research project. The project consists of two work packages. On the one hand, the research wants to shed new light on the employment created in the port perimeter and the consequences for the development of the "Havencentrum" and other future-oriented initiatives for the port region. On the other hand the research wants to increase current knowledge on the economic impact of the different companies in the port region and their collaboration with other companies in Belgium, thereby focusing on economic networks.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Congestion, pollution and growing urban population in NWE forces us to replace private cars by alternative mobility options. By providing a critical mass of eHUBS (physical cluster of shared electric mobility modes of transport) and make available shared mobility to the end-user, we kickstart the mobility transition. Private car use in cities will decrease. While eHUBS are technically feasible, deployment is hindered because of slow user adaptation, lagging urban planning and legislative/policy hurdles. Critical mass and scalability is key and knowledge transfer is absolutely necessary to remove barriers for local authorities. Partner cities from 5 countries will realize and promote eHUBS and pave the way for others to do the same. There will be eHUBS on strategic locations, connected to other modes (e.g. public transport), but also small eHUBS in living areas. The eHUBS implementation approach will differ per city to create an overall best practice that can easily be applied in other cities and regions. This will result in an additional 1,477 kg tons CO 2 reduction p/y at the project end and 287,022 kg tons CO 2 p/y 10 years later (compared to baseline, incl. replication cities). By kick starting the mobility transition in 6 pilot cities we will set an example for all of NWE. Other cities can benefit from applying the blueprint and copying best practices. A large-scale uptake will cause a leverage by significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the cities and creating a growing market for commercial shared e-mobility providers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Onghena Evy
• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Van Bockhaven Wouter
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has come to great prominence within contemporary planning policies in Europe and North-America. As a model, it calls for an integration of transport and urban planning, forwarding public transport as the backbone for urban development in order to curtail sprawl while still facilitating today's mobile society. Yet, TOD research and practice are based on a normative approach dividing urban from rural qualities and preferring static radial-concentric models to dynamic network-urbanisation relations. Consequently, current TOD analysis and planning are limited to a radius around the station to be filled in with compact urban typologies and homogeneous densities. This normative frame leads to problematic, a-contextual analyses of, and interventions in, relations between rural-urban places and mobility. Beyond the dots in TODs will contribute to a sustainable planning approach in networked rural-urban places by developing an analytical frame focusing on dynamic relations instead of static modeling as well as producing knowledge on rural-urban places apt to work with hybridity instead of omitting it. More specifically, the research will analyse interactions between rail network development, commuting, and processes of rural-urban urbanisation in a long term perspective. The research project will develop a historical analysis of site-specific socio-spatial development in one of the most sprawled territories in Europe – Flanders – in order to further knowledge on heterogeneous and dynamic network-urbanisation relations, unravelling a reality that is far more complex than homogeneous density dots and circular growth models. By reconstructing relations between rail, commuting, and urbanisation, combining quantitative and qualitative methods from transport geography, urban planning and urban history, the project opens up ways for dynamic and place-specific planning strategies beyond current dots in TODs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Block Greet
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Fellow: Schepers Ingrid

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The impact of innovation on the future employment in Antwerpen port is the central topic in this research. Changes in kind of jobs and amount of jobs for the period 2017-2027 will be investigated. Thriving forces behind these changes are among others disruption, sharing economy, big data, internet of things, automation, and robotisation. The two most important sectors in de port of Antwerpen,namely logistics and the chemical sector, will be investigated. The first part consists of an extended literature study. In this part the transition in international division of labor will be confronted with innovation in harbors. Possible scenarios for the future labor market in the Antwerp port in the next decennium are developed. Next, statistical data will be analysed to provide a picture of the actual and future labor market. Possible scenarios for the future labor market in the port of Antwerpen are developed. An overview of the job profiles needed in these scenarios will be detected using interviews with different stakeholders. These are not only the maritime, logistical and chemical companies and the related unions, but also other players linked with theport, such as financial institutions, legal experts, IT and technological developers.. Finally, the future job profiles will be confronted with the actual competences and education in the Antwerp educational context. A SWOT-analysis reveals which actions are needed for the future labor market in the Antwerpen port to remain competitive.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Flemish urban policy stimulates cities in their development towards sustainable cities. In doing so, it focuses on the role of the city as a motor for society, a place where innovative solutions are found for social challenges. The goal is a sustainable future for all. The Flemish Government has developed various instruments to achieve these objectives. The City Monitor is one of these instruments. The City Monitor is an instrument for cities and other involved actors. The Monitor describes the developments in 13 Flemish cities. These are the metropolitan areas of Antwerp and Ghent and the district towns of Aalst, Bruges, Genk, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Leuven, Mechelen, Ostende, Roeselare, Sint-Niklaas and Turnhout. So far, there have been 5 editions: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2014. In the government agreement 2014-2019 the Flemish Government cited the City Monitor as an example for the collection of local policy information for the benchmarking of municipalities. In the policy paper 2014-2019, the Local Government and Cities announce a new edition of the City Monitor concurrent with the municipal elections of 2018. An update of the vision matrix of the City Monitor is part of the preparation for the new edition.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is on why transport policy is the way it is and does what is does, or in more dramatic terms: why does transport policy fail? A variety of opinions exist on the shortcomings of public transport policy. These viewpoints are part of discourses which contain particular views on the problems and solutions, and transport policy can only be understood properly as the result of strategies and their eventual implementation. Public transport was chosen as the central topic since it touches upon many key issues in mobility such as congestion, pollution, equity and fairness. Besides an analysis of the discourses of transport economists, sustainable mobility proponents and other relevant actors, the impact of policy on the daily life of people will be investigated. In particular changes in access to normal activities and opportunities (e.g. work, shopping, healthcare) will be the subject of the investigation. In a final stage, the transport alternatives put forward by a variety of actors will be discussed. Although the focus is on how we think about public transport, the aim is to better understand transport policy and its impacts in general.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Fellow: Vanoutrive Thomas

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: De Borger Bruno
• Co-promoter: Sörensen Kenneth
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Proposed by the University, the Francqui Foundation each year awards two Francqui Chairs at the UAntwerp. These are intended to enable the invitation of a professor from another Belgian University or from abroad for a series of ten lessons. The Francqui Foundation pays the fee for these ten lessons directly to the holder of a Francqui Chair.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between the UA on the one hand and the NBB on the other. The researcher shall conduct the project entitled "Industrial clusters in Belgium: exploring buyer/supplier linkages in the food industry". The NBB will coordinate the project and will provide the buyer/supplier data. In return, the researcher will deliver a written report presenting the results of the research. The Bank shall then decide if the Report or any part of it meets its quality standards and may be published. If so, the Report shall be published as a Working Paper of the Bank The project fits within the context of Smart specialization, a key concept in the current regional policy. Rather than focusing on the dichotomy between convergence and competitiveness, smart specialization would enhance greater regional specialization and cooperation. The concept of smart specialization puts forward policy integration along both horizontal lines (between regional, industrial and research policies) and vertical lines (multilevel governance) (Lagendijk, 2011). The concept of smart specialization plays a leading role in the Europe 2020 Strategy and the new Cohesion Policy of the EU (Foray, 2011; McCann, 2011). Smart specialization and related strategies aim to foster the growth of industrial clusters in regions. Therefore, this research will investigate the spatial distribution of the Belgian food industry based on buyer/supplier linkages provided by the NBB. A first part of the research is rather exploratory and employs several indices of spatial concentration (e.g. Local Indicators of Spatial Association). To analyze clustering in general, we will make use of statistics on employment, added value and other indicators (Balanscentrale). In the second step advanced methods for clustering and network analysis will be applied to buyer/supplier linkages of firms in the food sector. To measure linkages between firms in clusters, we aim to make use of an extensive set of micro-economic data. Although studies like Lüthi et al. (2010) can draw meaningful conclusions on the basis of a survey, the sample is biased since it depends on the willingness of firms to participate. Furthermore, studies are often restricted to a small geographical area, i.e. one city. Micro-economic data provided by the NBB on the other hand allows a richer analysis of the extra-firm linkages to other firms in the cluster and to customers and suppliers in the outside world. Network indices can be computed which define the centrality, hierarchy, density, reciprocity, connectedness, modularity… of and in the predefined networks. As a result, the researcher will define several networks of firms which belong to distinct clusters.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this project is to come to a strategic vision for the provincial economy and the identification of spearhead sectors for the economic policy of the province of Antwerp. The spearhead sectors will be based on the strengths of the region, also the growth potential of subsectors will be taken into account. Together with an economic analysis, various stakeholders in the public and private sector will be consulted on their views on the future.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This port project has three objectives. They consist of testing the current chain model (validation), testing the interface and elaborating an additional application (external costs). These objectives concern the further elaboration of container transport.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this project is to come to a strategic vision for the provincial economy and the identification of spearhead sectors for the economic policy of the province of Antwerp. The spearhead sectors will be based on the strengths of the region, also the growth potential of subsectors will be taken into account. Together with an economic analysis, various stakeholders in the public and private sector will be consulted on their views on the future.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Matthyssens Paul

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project will lead to an overview of traffic flows from, to and within the port of Antwerp, taking into account: - commuter traffic; - freight transport; - the flows between the left bank and the right bank.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Pauwels Tom
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In INTERACT we propose to integrate the results from accessibility-related research projects in order to develop a new vision on the accessibility issue in a context of sustainable development. The teams indeed performed analyses and developed indicators related to social, economic and environmental issues; our aim is here to find out how these studies are related to accessibility and what the INTERACTions imply in terms of sustainability. This is why the project takes its starting point in a heuristic approach that focuses on different groups of experts in connection with the assessments of quality of life and sustainability resulting from different accessibility and mobility preconditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the project is to find spearhead sectors for the econmic policy of the Province Antwerp. Finding out which sectors might be growing in the future and to what extent these sectors exist already in Antwerp is examined based on existing sources. Also an inventory of the economic activities, which are active in innovation centers throughout the province of Antwerp, will have to be made. Later on, in view of this analysis and after examination of experts' opinions, policy recommendations are formulated and advice is given where to allocate scarce resources for the provincial economic policy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Matthyssens Paul
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen. UA provides Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Pauwels Tom
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

As source of home-to-work travel, companies generate a lot of traffic. Many employers are aware of this and develop initiatives in order to reduce the use of private cars by their employees. The ADICCT project assesses these Mobility Management initiatives. Next to an analysis of the Belgian Home To Work Travel (HTWT) questionnaire, key persons of companies with an advanced mobility policy will be interviewed in a case-study approach.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project deals with tactical research into possible measures for an improved traffic on the E313 motorway. A number of scenarios of economic development and policy are calculated. In these scenarios, among others, worldwide transport and logistics developments are considered, just like developments in seaports, inland navigation and rail, and logistics policy at Flemish, Belgian and European level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The assignment comprises the visualization of the bottlenecks and opportunities in relation to the optimisation of fine-mazed distribution. This happens with the aid of an extensive and representative literature reivew, as well as the evaluation of relevant exemplary projects in the homeland and abroad. The aim of this enumeration is getting grip on the problem and the possibilities in terms of fine-mazed distribution, in order to select a concrete action around this theme and complete the Flanders Logistics subproject 'spreading freigth traffic in time'.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Starting from a policy orientated view based on applied academic research, the Policy Research Centre on Regional Planning and Housing attempts to get a clear insight in the driving forces which determine the spatial structure in Flanders. The Policy research centre will look for transformations and developments in space and housing which take place in Flanders. Furthermore it will to investigate why and how these transformations take place. Within the Policy Research centre the work package 'transformations in space due to economy' is analyzing the current forms and changing characteristics of the use of economic space. Determining changes in the location choice of economic activities can lead to a shift in spatial patterns and requirements. In order to develop a sustainable spatial planning it is important to bear in mind the different trends in economic location and try to quantify them.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Vranken Jan

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Blauwens Gust
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

As source of home-to-work travel, companies generate a lot of traffic. Many employers are aware of this and develop initiatives in order to reduce the use of private cars by their employees. The ADICCT project assesses these Mobility Management initiatives. Next to an analysis of the Belgian Home To Work Travel (HTWT) questionnaire, key persons of companies with an advanced mobility policy will be interviewed in a case-study approach.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general objective of this project is to examine which impact an on mobility coordinated location policy can have on the sustainable development of mobility and conversely, considering the complex interaction between land use and transport. The recognition that land use and transport are linked, leads to the need to coordinate location- and mobility policy. From the point of view of transport policy, spatial scheduling must prevent that the mobility question increases unnecessarily by unbalanced planning of distances between home - and work areas. The study starts with exploring the complexity of the problem, which results in a range of research questions. A part of the answers can already be found in the scientific literature. Further, empirical research is conducted by means of the data of the Census of 1991 and the Socio-Economic Inquiry of 2001 for commuter traffic in Flanders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to develop an integrated and innovative approach (innovative spatial concept development, innovative policy instruments, and process architecture and quality management) for strategic projects. Strategic projects are defined as spatial projects, coordinated by public actors in close co-operation with the private sector, and other semi¿public actors. Strategic projects are considered necessary to achieve normative policy objectives and goals (such as sustainable development) embedded in strategic planning processes on different policy levels. Strategic projects have an impact on a larger area, and aim to transform the spatial, the economic, the socio-cultural development of this larger area through a punctual intervention. Strategic projects aim to integrate different goals and objectives of different policy sectors, ambitions and goals from the private sector, inhabitants and users of the area. The approach we aim to develop is open and generic in its character, since it will be applicable on a variety of spatial projects in different kinds of strategic planning processes and in different contexts (urban, neorural context, economic development). The project tries to bridge the gap between theoretical models and methods on governance, spatial planning, regional economic development, sustainable strategies, urbanism and a generic applicable approach for strategic projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project looks into the simultaneously evolving spatial systems region and port in large European port areas. Possibly a spatial conflict will present itself because of the enormous need for space resulting from both systems. On the other hand, to co-existence of city and neighbouring port results in quite a few advantages. As to fully picture the complete relationship, we will approach the developments from different dimensions. Resulting from empirical resarch and international cooperation-alliances, it is our goal to put forward some policy guidelines that will handle thus universal trouble-spot.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Witlox Frank

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the year 2001, another socio-economic survey was carried out by the Belgian government. This has been the case every 10 years since 1846. Some of the questions are particularly related to home-work and home-school commuting, such as the distance travelled, the time of departure, the transportation mode, the activities on the way to work, etc. Next to these variables, individual and household characteristics are added. These are, for example, gender, age, educational level, composition of the household income and number of people living in the household. Also a few spatial variables, such as the Standard Metropolitan Labour Area, are added to the dataset. The analysis of these variables will result in a monograph of home-work and home-school commuting. Subjects such as the relation between the place of living and the location of work or school, the possible spatial mismatch between them, the commuting behaviour during the peak hours, the influence of socio-economic characteristics and spatial characteristics on commuting behaviour will be addressed. Also the evolution between 1991 and 2001 (and if necessary even further back in time) will be part of the monograph. At the end, a part will be dedicated to the comparison of the availability and quality of data from the socio-economic survey and these of other sources such as the mobility surveys.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main goal of the project is to describe and explain the urban spatial structure of Antwerp and its evolution in terms of employment and firms' locations. Using local and global autocorrelation indices as well as 3D-mapping and new visualisation techniques within a GIS-framework, we will scientifically test the existence and localisation of employment subcentres within the urban agglomeration. The hypotheses are: - There are centrifugal forces ledaing firms and employment to leave the city centres for the periphery; this process is not homogeneous and leads to new suburban employment centres. - The intensity of these centrifugal forces varies with type and activity and changes over time. Both will be tested using census data by statistical wards and activity types. As a result we should get a better insight in the way economic activities concentrate in urban space and a better understanding of the relationship between the centre and the periphery.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main goal of this research project is to obtain an estimation of the demand for displacements, all purposes included, in Belgiuml, based on activity chains. These will be drawn from data collected during the first Belgian national survey on household mobility (MOBEL) coordinated by GRT and financed by OSTC in the framework of SPSD I. It will also be drawn from data at the regional and local level, from data collected in Flanders and more especially at Antwerp, Ghent and Hasselt. To reach this objective, we will have to add a spatial dimension to the activity chains analysis, up to now, only studied for their time components. The project is built in 3 stages: - First there will be a specialization of data collected during the used surveys. - A second stage will study the modelling of activity chains that can be designed from these data. The crucial step is the extension from a temporal to a spatio-temporal approach.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within the Social Impulse Fund (SIF-Policyplan for Antwerp 2000-2002) this study investigates on the economy and employment in Antwerp. The study should lead to relevant material for the Database Social Planning of the Company for City Development Antwerp and also lead to a better understanding of the specific Antwerp situation with respect to economy and the labour market.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Witlox Frank

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Evaluation of proposals for research, technological developments and demonstration projects for the Key Action 'City of Tomorrow and Cultural heritage'

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Supervision of a project concerning the local structural planning process: economic dimansion - development of methods for creating a local spatial economic concept - applicationfor Bonheiden and Ninove

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Witlox Frank

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to study how and to what extent promotion policies need to be adapted to characteristics of 'micro segments'. More specifically, we analyze how features of a flyer influence retailer performance at different levels of aggregation (store traffic, category sales).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijsbrechts Els
• Co-promoter: Campo Katia
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research tasks ://..- describing further research//..- overview opinions and points of departure sustainable mobility//..- evaluation mutually consistent multimodal models//..- evaluation of modelling freight transport in function of sustainable mobility//..- supply of input for freight transport model (trend scenario, sustainability scenario), intrepretation of the results//..- quantitative and content analysis of the different scenarios (freight transport), synthesis , points of agreement, diverging opinions//..- contribution to the setup of an assessment framework and evaluation of policy measures concerning the designed policy plan

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

A scientific analysis and collection of information for the development of a furure strategy for sustainable employment in the urban area of Turnhout. In practice, this wil result in detailed research for the drawing up of a regional strategic plan, also applicable in a structural planning process, consisting of an environmental analysis, a SWOT-analysis and the description of alternatives for a strategic plan.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this task is to ensure the further use, the exploitation as well the further development of the multi modal traffic and transport models (transport of persons and goods) for the province Antwerp and the district Sint-Niklaas. The purpose is also to incorporate the effects of projects and policy measures made on the basis of this model.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we examine to what extent and in which way characterisctics for the location (profile of the population, features of the competition, socio-economic features of the location) have an effect on desired assortiments of an distribution channel. We check whether a geographically differentiated strategy is desirable for a distribution chain or not.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Gijsbrechts Els
• Co-promoter: Campo Katia
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Goods traffic continues to play a key role in the debate on durable development. This is mainly due to the growing awareness of a number of negative effects which result from goods traffic: environmental effects, safety effects and effects on the livability of cities. The government can and must act . However, in order to act , it needs a coherent set of instruments. This project attemps to provide the basic materials for such a set of instruments.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Goods traffic continues to play a key role in the debate on durable development. The government (international, national and regional) can and must act. However, in order to act, it need a coherent set of instruments. This research focuses on the impact of goods traffic and attempts to provide the basic materials for such set of instruments.//..The research project consists of two parts. The first part deals with the identification and quantification of the external effects of goods traffic with respect to mobility and safety. Stageone concerns the description, analysis and prognosis of goods traffic in Belgium with respect to the European network. In a second stage, the external effects generated by goods traffic will be accurately identified from both an economic and an environmental perspective. In phase three the external effects wil be quantified. //..Once the external effects are identified and quantified, the question arises whether their costs can be internalised, especially since it concerns negative effects (cf. part two of this resaerch project).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The study contains an inventory of the actual tasks and responsabilities and a description of the recent developments and problems. Furthermore proposals and/or questions about the way in which policy problems on the field of regional economic development can be complementart assigned to different administrative levels.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this task is to ensure the further use, the exploitation as well the further development of the multi modal traffic and transport models (transport of persons and goods) for the province Antwerp and the district Sint-Niklaas. The purpose is also to incorporate the effects of projects and policy measures made on the basis of this model.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Meersman Hilde
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project reviews the development of traffic in the province of Antwerp and the Sint-Niklaas district from now till the first decades of the next century under different assumptions: unchanged policies, implementation of the new structural plan for Flanders or a restrictive policy of land use.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Brabander Guido
• Co-promoter: Van de Voorde Eddy
• Co-promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The study is part of a broader project preparing a spatial plan for Flanders. It is one of the studies that focuses on one region. The study gives a description of the socio-economic significance of the axis Antwerp.-Brussels and tries to say something meaningful about diversification of factorysites in the region.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhetsel Ann

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project