Research Joris Beckers

Abstract

While Europeans can track and understand their personal transport emissions, they have little to no information regarding the impact of their online shopping deliveries and returns. This is due to a mix of challenges, including the complexity of calculating emissions across the e-commerce supply chain, and the limited regulatory levers public authorities have to influence greener practices. To overcome these challenges, GreenTurn brings together a diverse range of e-commerce stakeholders to co-create zero-emission logistics solutions, provide sound and transparent information on e-commerce footprints, and enable more sustainable delivery and return choices. GreenTurn uses design thinking approaches to develop solutions which bridge between behavioural interventions (including incentives, nudges and gamification) and delivery and return options (such as time windows, in-store pick-ups and returnable packaging, among others). To test solutions, GreenTurn implements 5 complementary pilots involving in Poland, Spain, France, Greece and Austria. Advanced logistics systems allow the five pilots to offer, on average, 82% of delivery and return options as zero-emission. Besides, the GreenTurn pilots will touch upon social sustainability aspects too, for both customers (e.g., physical and digital accessibility), and e-commerce logistics employees (e.g., work conditions, market reintegration, etc.) Together with its public authorities, GreenTurn will translate results into policies that can secure uptake and long-term impact.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this project is to develop a suite of models and algorithms to optimize urban logistics operations. Different from other similar endeavors, our algorithms will focus specifically on the urban context and will take into account the measures taken by city administrations that have an impact on the logistics operations on their territory. Such measures might include car-free zones, specific parking spaces or time windows for truck deliveries, a ban on certain vehicles in certain areas, etc. The algorithms will allow for an evaluation of the impact of these measures in order to assist in reducing the negative effects of logistics operations on the livability of the city and to strengthen the competitiveness of the supply chain actors. Contrary to existing urban logistics optimization problems, the models developed in this project will be based on an in-depth economic analysis. The algorithms will be able to support both strategic, tactical, and operational decisions and will be usable by (1) a single company, (2) a coalition of cooperating companies, and (3) the city administration. The project focuses on four flows, i.e., important logistics streams within the city: waste collection, construction logistics (moving building materials into the city), hospitality and health logistics (deliveries of food and other products to hotels, bars, restaurants, retirement homes, etc.), and grocery delivery (from supermarkets and other food suppliers to individual customers). The algorithms will be developed for several specific logistics scenarios based on the supply chains operated by the companies collaborating in this project. They will, however, be generic enough to later be extended to other use cases. Methodologically, the algorithms developed in this project will be based on state-of-the-art heuristic optimization. An innovative aspect of this project is that we will develop a common trunk, i.e., a set of data models and algorithmic operators that are general enough to function across a wide range of use cases. This common trunk will allow for the rapid development of specific models and algorithms for the various scenarios. Furthermore, the algorithms and models developed in this project will optimize logistic flows while taking into account person mobility to properly account for the integrated city perspective. The specific results that will be realized by the project are summarized below. A suite of algorithms to optimize urban supply chains; for each of the four flows identified before, optimization algorithms will be developed and demonstrated. Whenever possible, these algorithms will be defined at the level of the common trunk. However, the algorithms will be fine-tuned to the specific needs of the logistic operations of each flow. Quantitative/economic analysis of collaboration opportunities; specifically for each of the four flows that are considered, the economics of operation of the supply chain actors are quantified, and the potential of optimized collaboration in a realistic setting (a chosen city) is assessed. Quantitative/economic assessment of mobility measures; for each of the four cities considered in this project, a list of potential logistics-oriented mobility measures is compiled. For each of the flows and cities, the impact of these mobility measures on the operations of supply chain actors is assessed. Decision support to optimize operations with respect to city mobility measures taking into account a company-level perspective as well as the societal perspective. Insight in and support for collaborative gain sharing; based on insights from the optimization simulations, interactions with supply chain actors and cities, and on research, alternatives of collaborative gain sharing will be compared and evaluated in light of fairness, complexity (ease of real-life implementation), and the ability to sustain independently of subsidies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Sörensen Kenneth
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

With the 'Sustainable Logistics Sites' project, VIL, VITO and UAntwerpen want to inspire and stimulate the logistics sector to make logistics sites and real estate more sustainable. This through cost- and space-saving collaboration and the use of innovative technologies. status: In progress | theme: Green Supply Chains | type: Regional Logistics is a growth sector for our region, extremely conveniently located in relation to the European hinterland. The growth in logistics volumes translates into an increasing demand for infrastructure, land and buildings. This creates an area of tension with other, social policy ambitions such as the Flemish 'Bouwshift' and the 'Blue Deal' and European climate and nature objectives. This field of tension causes an increasing business economic impact for the companies involved. Rising land and raw material prices combined with stricter building regulations and environmental requirements are forcing logistics to revise its vision of the logistics field. By using this space more consciously, building and furnishing more sustainably and sharing certain functions of the site, the social impact can be limited. INTEGRAL SUSTAINABILITY VISION The project develops an integral long-term sustainability vision, as well as practical advice, a roadmap and cooperation and business models that companies, individually or collectively, can work with to realize the vision, in their own economic and all of our social interests. The project addresses the daily use and small investments by companies, as well as on the (re)development and renovation of real estate and sites by developers and site managers. OPPORTUNITIES The project's interdisciplinary approach provides participants with a broad view of the various sustainability issues that converge on the logistics site and provides them with knowledge and insights to make informed short- and long-term decisions The project will propose solutions for the various sustainability challenges on a technological level, but also through collaboration between companies and demonstrate how such collaboration is best organized in the field CONCRETE ACTIVITIES Mapping best practices and sharing technical and academic knowledge within the fields of design and spatial planning, space utilization, water management, circular development and biodiversity Consolidation of acquired insights and translation into effective application to logistics sites and buildings Elaboration of suitable business models and management structures to encourage cooperation on sustainability in logistics sites. Development of pilot projects in cooperation with the participating parties Preparation of a vision with transition paths to achieve long-term sustainable logistics sites in Flanders and a roadmap with concrete advice for the companies involved

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: De Blust Gerrit
• Co-promoter: Ilsbroekx Raf
• Co-promoter: Lauwers Dirk
• Co-promoter: Vloebergh Guy

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

MoLo Hubs goes beyond existing mobility hub projects. It aims to develop & implement user centric logistics services & solutions at urban mobility hubs to reduce urban traffic & at the same time increase attractiveness of mobility hubs. The project will benefit from different pilots in Aalborg (NO), Amsterdam (NL), Boras (SE), Mechelen (BE) and Hamburg (DE); deployed through a joint methodology, a joint learning journey & by focussing on people-centric solutions creating an impact for mobility transition towards net zero carbon economy in the North Sea Region. The Universiteit Antwerpen will be a Knowledge Partner in MoLo Hubs. We want to test the hypothesis that the geographical integration of services for passenger and freight transport has the potential to (i) improve the attractivity and hence popularity of the proposed solutions; (ii) support the business model of such shared transport hubs; (iii) increase the efficiency of urban land use and limit negative externalities; and (iv) fit within the idea of the 15-min city. Our role is to assess these impacts.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The digital transformation of the last mile in cooperation with third-party performers (professional and non-professional couriers) who could earn extra money by doing small "gigs" during the pandemic and the current Ukrainian crisis is significant. These gigs are financial opportunities for vulnerable people, for example, refugees. Many retailers are now experimenting with crowd-shipping as a same-day delivery solution. Crowd-shipping is a specific application of crowdsourcing technology that expands its concept to freight delivery by using available public transport places that move in the same direction, including public transport, private cars, taxi systems, etc. This project focuses on assessing crowd-shipping initiatives for the sustainable development of urban logistics. The project addresses the challenge of fulfilling the last mile in the digital economy on demand. It will do so by encouraging the building of a digital Logistics-as-a-Service marketplace that allows for multi-stakeholder interaction.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris
• Fellow: Galkin Andrii

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Our perception of how we work, live, shop, and recreate… has been under scrutiny since the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerates societal evolutions such as the on-demand mindset or the quest for the 15'-city. For example, in the e-commerce context, we have seen half a decade of innovation occurring in the span of one to two years (McKinsey & Company, 2020; Szasz et al., 2022). These evolutions imply changing patterns of passenger and freight flows and require reconsidering our transport system. As future transport systems should be built around proximity, environmental-friendly and on-demand concepts, they need to be integrated. We identify three dimensions of integration. First, future transport systems should integrate different transport service providers in mobility and logistics. Second, they should integrate freight and passenger flows for optimal consolidation and efficiency. Third, they should put the citizen at the helm, allowing customization and personalization. The transport system of the future is studied from both a regional economics and transport geography perspective. This is done by starting with the demand for transport, i.e. studying regional evolutions and their impacts on transport needs. Next, we consider the role of transport hubs as consolidation points and neighborhood hubs, providing accessibility in an age of online activity and fragmentation of transport flows. Finally, we look at new transport servicesto move passengers and freight

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

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

GreenLog accelerates systemic changes in last mile delivery ecosystems for economically, environmentally and socially sustainable city logistics. The project establishes city platforms comprising of inclusive stakeholder Urban Living Labs for nurturing social innovation, designing and deploying innovative delivery solutions while allowing the most effective exchange of ideas, the development of robust, harmonized regulatory and policy frameworks, and cooperative business models that build upon effective public/private sector collaboration and joint investments. The GreenLog approach provides an innovative simulation environment for scenario building combining different solutions that allow the integration of last-mile delivery interventions with the highest possible impact on environmentalsustainability and traffic reduction, while considering their financial viability. On the operational level, GreenLog provides cargo-bike based innovations for sustainable micro-consolidation design and deployments, multimodal parcel deliveries integrating public transportation, Logistic as a Service platforms for interconnected city logistics and automated delivery concepts with the use of autonomous vehicles and delivery droids. The solutions are supported by interconnected city logistics dataspaces that feed dynamic services for proactive optimization of the ecosystem, respecting the interests of consumers, businesses and city stakeholders. The approach is deployed and validated in five cities and areas: Athens, Barcelona, Flanders, Oxfordshire and Ispra. Special focus is given on the transferability of the proposed innovation, starting from three follower cities with high interests in tailoring and replicating the GreeLog solutions, and continuing with a pan-European outreach with intensive transfearability accelaration actions, setting the ground for the establishment of multiple city logistics Urban Living Labs.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Cardenas Barbosa Ivan Dario
• Co-promoter: Vanelslander Thierry

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Background: The digital revolution gave rise to an on-demand economy characterized by an increasing user-driven focus of the private sector. This is particularly visible in the transport sector, where the surge in e-commerce enabled the promise of ever faster, cheaper, and more personalized deliveries and micromobility potentially holds the key towards a more sustainable modal split. While these developments can bridge some existing inequalities such as food deserts or transport injustice, they may in turn give rise to new inequalities and constraints. These constraints imply a revaluation of traditional economic and transport models is needed. Objective: The proposed methodology, financing plan, education, and dissemination should stimulate the growth of a research group on urban transportation within the framework of economic geography, generating knowledge to support resilient transport and economic systems and regions. Methodology: Three research tracks support this objective. In RT1 tackles the question, "How does the rise of e-commerce provide opportunities for and synergies between retail and logistics?" RT2 focuses on passenger transport and centers around the question "What is the spatial impact of new modes of mobility?". RT3 is of a more methodological nature and seeks to "Maximize the relevance of network theory to analyze transport and economic systems."

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris
• Fellow: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The current retail landscape is the outcome of heterogeneous consumer preferences. Yet, supply does not cover all demand. Cant (2019), for example, demonstrated that in multiple Antwerp suburban areas with 15 to 25% of current inhabitants already over 65 years old, there are long walking distances to the nearest food shop. The COVID-induced breakthrough of e-commerce may bridge such existing inequalities, yet they are subject to new constraints. To measure the impacts on access to food and other products, evaluate the viability of retail areas, or assess the design of logistics networks, a revision of retail accessibility that includes both logistics parameters and consumer mobility is required. This project revises retail accessibility in three steps: (i) modelling hybrid consumer behavior; (ii) redrawing the framework of retail accessibility and (iii) studying the regional economic impacts on businesses and policymakers in planning, mobility, and logistics.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris
• Fellow: Lei Yubing

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

ShareDiMobiHub aims to improve urban multi-modal accessibility by increasing the introduction and uptake of shared mobility hubs, resulting in a modal shift and changed behaviour towards shared mobility hubs. A modal shift from the own car to shared mobility is needed to cope with increased transport demand due to urbanisation. To speed up the transition, we need to implement an integral approach entailing a.o. measures to provide space for shared mobility, nudging & communication, restrictions for private cars, integration with public transport and with Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The integral approach will be used to implement: • Plans to increase shared mobility hubs in Amsterdam and surrounding cities in the metropolitan area (through the Transport Authority Amsterdam). • Digitalisation plans to integrate shared mobility with MaaS in Amsterdam and surrounding cities, Leuven and the province of Utrecht. Besides, some regions need to implement a pilot before upscaling can take place: • In Vestfold and Telemark Region to integrate shared mobility with public transport. • In Rotterdam and Leuven aimed at testing how to best engage speci{c target groups. In Leuven to test shared mobility with a mixed user-group. Based on the learnings from the pilots and the experiences of the partners implementing upscaling action plans, Rotterdam and the province of Utrecht and follower partner the Capital Region of Denmark, will draft and adopt each an upscaling strategy to rollout shared mobility hubs. Leuven and VTFK will implement upscaling action plans including digitalisation and MaaS-integration. Transnational cooperation is key: the more experienced partners from the Netherlands and Belgium will show the way to other partners. The partnership will also support 40 stakeholders to ensure a wider roll-out. Citizens, commuters and visitors will benefit from the increased shared mobility offer. They will experience easier access to several modes of transport, using a MaaS-app.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Beckers Joris

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this cooperation agreement is to examine the spatial planning issue in the Rupel region in the context of developments within Flanders Technology & Innovation. The Department of Culture, Youth and Media wants to gain insight into the spatial planning and associated creative possibilities in terms of mobility and economic development in the Rupel region and more specifically in Boom and Rumst. The potential of this area will be investigated in order to anchor the Flemish innovative entertainment sector on the one hand and to realize a broad social upgrading of the Rupel region on the other hand.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Vandyck Frederik
• Co-promoter: Vloebergh Guy

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

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

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

This project involves bringing together knowledge on finished, running and planned projects on last mile and more collaborative co-operation models in city distribution, and the state of the art on what moves in this market, in a manner that provides value added to all stakeholders in the project. It involves innovative last mile solutions, but also trends and insights).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Cardenas Barbosa Ivan Dario
• Co-promoter: De Langhe Katrien

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project proposal treats following research question: RQ: What are the potential sustainable and integrated co-operation models for urban logistics flows, given a certain city? The focus is on testing the sustainable and integrated business cases within the urban logistics context, including all possible types of flows (B2B, B2C, retour, etc.). This proposal attempts to achieve this objective by answering three sub-questions in three consecutive workpackages. In order to test the sustainability of the various business cases, first a data-driven calculation model is drafted. This calculation model should allow comparing the various options objectively. RQ1: What are the most important components of a calculation model for a sustainable urban logistics policy, both on the side of input and output. Recent data on goods flows, within as well as outside cities, is very scarce though. This impedes an objective overview on urban logistics, which makes identifying opportunities more difficult. RQ2: Which goods flows take place in the concerned cities? The findings from the first two workpackages are used next to quantify proposals for pilot projects. These pilot projects have to be executed in the concerned cities and help identifying the barriers between the calculations and the real applications. RQ3: What are the barriers in translating the results of the calculation model into an effective, integrated reorganisation of the urban logistics flows.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanelslander Thierry
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Cardenas Barbosa Ivan Dario
• Co-promoter: De Langhe Katrien

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