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Since the turn of the century especially small, local retailers struggle with the advent of e-commerce. It is hence no surprise that the retail sector is one of the hardest-hit sectors in the current pandemic. To understand the short- and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on retail, we conducted two surveys to understand ongoing changes in the sector. By contrasting changing consumer behavior with the actions taken by local retailers, we assess whether the current pandemic is potentially a catalyst for e-commerce in Belgium. We do this based on a newly constructed framework of e-retail accessibility, as the differences between online and physical retail require a revision of the traditional economic geographical perspective on retail performance as introduced by Christaller (1933). We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic holds ample opportunities for an increase in the three components of e-retail accessibility, but that a lack of professionalism might prevent traditional local retailers to retain a share of the expanded online market. This could well mean the final blow for local brick and mortar shops if, as is predicted, the share of online shopping in total retail expenditure remains high after the pandemic.
Joris Beckers; Simon Weekx; Philippe Beutels; Ann Verhetsel. COVID-19 and retail: The catalyst for e-commerce in Belgium? Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 2021, 62, 102645 .
AMA StyleJoris Beckers, Simon Weekx, Philippe Beutels, Ann Verhetsel. COVID-19 and retail: The catalyst for e-commerce in Belgium? Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. 2021; 62 ():102645.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoris Beckers; Simon Weekx; Philippe Beutels; Ann Verhetsel. 2021. "COVID-19 and retail: The catalyst for e-commerce in Belgium?" Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 62, no. : 102645.
Shared (electric) mobility is still facing challenges in terms of reaching its potential as a sustainable mobility solution. Low physical and digital integration with public transport, a lack of charging infrastructure, the regulatory barriers, and the public nuisance are hindering the uptake and organization of shared mobility services. This study examines the case of the shared mobility hub, a location where shared mobility is concentrated, as a solution to overcome these challenges. To find ideas informing how a network of shared mobility hubs can contribute to sustainable urban mobility and to overcome the aforementioned challenges, a business model innovation approach was adopted. Focus groups, consisting of public and private stakeholders, collaboratively designed five business model (BM) blueprints, reaching a consensus about the value creation, delivery, and capture mechanisms of the network. The blueprints, defined as first-/last-mile, clustered, point-of-interest (POI), hybrid, and closed mobility hub networks, provide alternative solutions to integrate sustainable transportation modes into a coherent network, enabling multi- and intermodal travel behaviour, and supporting interoperability, sustainable land use, and ensured access to shared (electric) travel modes. However, which kind of network the local key stakeholders need to commit to depends on the local policy goals and regulatory context.
Elnert Coenegrachts; Joris Beckers; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. Business Model Blueprints for the Shared Mobility Hub Network. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6939 .
AMA StyleElnert Coenegrachts, Joris Beckers, Thierry Vanelslander, Ann Verhetsel. Business Model Blueprints for the Shared Mobility Hub Network. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (12):6939.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElnert Coenegrachts; Joris Beckers; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. 2021. "Business Model Blueprints for the Shared Mobility Hub Network." Sustainability 13, no. 12: 6939.
The increase in at-home deliveries of online ordered goods has led to a rise in urban logistics facilities. One such facility in particular, the collection and delivery point (CDP), is an increasingly popular delivery option amongst carriers and holds the promise of more sustainable e-commerce logistics. A prerequisite to achieve this promise is that the pick-up trip occurs in an environmentally friendly manner. By delineating 1 km catchment areas – the car is the preferred transportation mode for longer distances – we test whether the current Belgian CDP networks encourage this type of pick-up. We find that only one courier catches just over half of the population within walking distance of its points and conclude that the current network set-ups thus jeopardize the sustainability promise. We attribute this finding to a quality over quantity mindset by logistics companies when expanding their network. However, the fact that 75% of the points’ walkable catchment areas overlap paves the way towards the installation of shared CDPs. As this solution would improve the sustainability of the delivery alternative, we urge urban governments to facilitate the process towards these multi-carrier CDPs, for example by providing supporting infrastructure or by safeguarding dedicated spaces in urban plans.
Joris Beckers; Ann Verhetsel. The sustainability of the urban layer of e-commerce deliveries: the Belgian collection and delivery point networks. European Planning Studies 2021, 1 -20.
AMA StyleJoris Beckers, Ann Verhetsel. The sustainability of the urban layer of e-commerce deliveries: the Belgian collection and delivery point networks. European Planning Studies. 2021; ():1-20.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoris Beckers; Ann Verhetsel. 2021. "The sustainability of the urban layer of e-commerce deliveries: the Belgian collection and delivery point networks." European Planning Studies , no. : 1-20.
Rail freight transport is facing contradicting realities. Ambitious goals to stimulate this mode of land transport at the expense of the less sustainable and over congested road transport, are going hand in hand with a continuous decrease in usage and modal share statistics. As it is known that a lack of flexibility is holding back the development of this mode, this research wants to evaluate what could be the direct economic impact of rail freight transport in Belgium if these bottlenecks are resolved. By generating three economic indicators, evaluating the added value per unit of workforce, the added value per unit of production and the added value range for the incumbent rail freight operator, the productivity and efficiency of rail freight transport services in Belgium are evaluated and compared with the four main competitors. Results show that for all indicators a positive direct economic impact and an upward trend can be observed, although data collection proves to be challenging and historical data is inexistent or inconsistent due to the absence of joint cost allocation, which is clearly a point of attention for policymakers. Results also indicate that liberalization of the rail freight market is stimulating rail freight operators to improve their efficiency by rethinking their business.
Frank Troch; Hilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van De Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. The added value of rail freight transport in Belgium. Research in Transportation Business & Management 2021, 100625 .
AMA StyleFrank Troch, Hilde Meersman, Christa Sys, Eddy Van De Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander. The added value of rail freight transport in Belgium. Research in Transportation Business & Management. 2021; ():100625.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrank Troch; Hilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van De Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. 2021. "The added value of rail freight transport in Belgium." Research in Transportation Business & Management , no. : 100625.
There is a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates a negative relationship between commuting and wellbeing. However, many of the existing studies have some limitations with respect to geographical scope, the control variables included, or the operationalisation of either wellbeing or commuting. In this contribution, we consider weekly commuting hours (WCH) per employed individual. Furthermore, we combined 13 variables on physical condition, weariness, and mental condition in a new index for wellbeing. Thanks to the data from the large-scale European Working Conditions Survey from 2015, we were able to cover 35 European countries. A multilevel multiple linear regression model was developed with control variables for factors with a known influence on wellbeing, random intercepts per country, and random slopes for the estimated WCH effect per country. Our results confirm that more time spent on commuting is negatively associated with wellbeing, although the effect size of WCH on wellbeing is relatively small when compared to ageing, education level, frequently working overtime, and experiencing harassment or discrimination at work. The multilevel approach reveals relevant differences between European countries with respect to the general level of wellbeing and the effect of WCH. Nevertheless, in all the countries included in our analysis the relationship between WCH and wellbeing is slightly negative.
Toon Zijlstra; Ann Verhetsel. The commuters’ burden: The relationship between commuting and wellbeing in Europe. Travel Behaviour and Society 2021, 23, 108 -119.
AMA StyleToon Zijlstra, Ann Verhetsel. The commuters’ burden: The relationship between commuting and wellbeing in Europe. Travel Behaviour and Society. 2021; 23 ():108-119.
Chicago/Turabian StyleToon Zijlstra; Ann Verhetsel. 2021. "The commuters’ burden: The relationship between commuting and wellbeing in Europe." Travel Behaviour and Society 23, no. : 108-119.
Road congestion is an issue that has received growing attention in all big economic activity centers around the world. Congestion seems to be inextricably linked to economic growth, and is therefore considered a sign of strong economic performance. However, at the same time, it reflects a problem of lack of matching between demand for and supply of transport capacity, risking to suffocate the economic system. A problem is that the external congestion costs are not included in the price of transport, mainly because it is hard to accurately calculate them, due to the absence of an approach to do so. This paper creates a globally accepted approach for calculating the impact of congestion on costs, both operational and societal. It does so by first of all learning from defining the relevant concepts, based on literature and an expert meeting that was hosted. It shows the components of congestion costs, which comprise both private and societal elements, direct and indirect, and it also identifies that transport can be split up in truck, van, work-related and private trips, each of which has its relevant cost characteristics. Furthermore, an own instrument for congestion cost calculation is elaborated and applied to and validated on a specific Flemish congestion situation. The instrument provides uniform insight into the magnitude and impact of congestion in a specific area or on a specific road. The resulting monetary values can first of all be used in negotiations by trucking companies with customers, for agreeing on transparent calculation of congestion surcharges. The results can also be used for determining a company location where congestion impacts are lower. Finally, resulting monetary values can be used by producers to see how competitive are the alternative modes rail and barge in terms of total generalized costs, not based on theoretical figures, but on calculations taking into account real cost and time impacts. Policymakers can use the results first of all to identify areas where the impact of congestion is high, and which should get priority in setting up solutions. Second, they can use the instrument and its results to test the effect of congestion mitigation measures (e.g. road pricing).
Els Struyf; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. Calculating the cost of congestion to society: A case study application to Flanders. Research in Transportation Business & Management 2020, 100573 .
AMA StyleEls Struyf, Christa Sys, Eddy Van de Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander. Calculating the cost of congestion to society: A case study application to Flanders. Research in Transportation Business & Management. 2020; ():100573.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEls Struyf; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. 2020. "Calculating the cost of congestion to society: A case study application to Flanders." Research in Transportation Business & Management , no. : 100573.
Sustainable transport is an important way of mitigating climate change. Inland navigation still is a sustainable mode of transport which is of great importance for the whole European transport market. However, due to its market structure, it risks losing the battle for volume and market share with the other transportation modes. Opting for inductive research approach, this paper first of all collects data. Next, the paper observes the market of the European inland navigation sector and looks for patterns in order to develop a set of structural pathways. From the data collection, it turns out that the sector is facing challenges, mainly due to overcapacity, uncontrolled costs and volatile freight prices. The classical reaction pattern to overcome these shortcomings (capacity control, cost control, playing with ‘time’ and ‘reliability’ factors) does no longer suffice. By analyzing the patterns, the researchers were able to formulate five pathways: A first path is that of technological/operational innovation or retrofitting for ecological and social sustainability. A second path is that of industrial economics: inland navigation is marked by a lot of fragmentation. A solution might be pooling up, whereby the risk of anti-competitive impacts seems very low. A third path is that of financing: the classical financing through banks clearly provides no incentive for reducing overcapacity, even not through bankruptcies. Actual lay-up of vessels seems a must. For longer-run financing, bonds, credit unions or even crowd-funding can be solutions. A fourth path builds on the second one, with more co-operation needed within the wider sector, also with vertically-related partners: charterers, terminal operators, etc. Fifth and finally, a dynamic regulation is needed, following modern rules, with an eye on the longer-term viability of the sector.
Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander; Edwin van Hassel. Pathways for a sustainable future inland water transport: A case study for the European inland navigation sector. Case Studies on Transport Policy 2020, 8, 686 -699.
AMA StyleChrista Sys, Eddy Van de Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander, Edwin van Hassel. Pathways for a sustainable future inland water transport: A case study for the European inland navigation sector. Case Studies on Transport Policy. 2020; 8 (3):686-699.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChrista Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander; Edwin van Hassel. 2020. "Pathways for a sustainable future inland water transport: A case study for the European inland navigation sector." Case Studies on Transport Policy 8, no. 3: 686-699.
Innovation is identified as one of the main avenues to maintain competitiveness and its importance is well established in business studies. Along maritime logistics chains, innovation is being increasingly recognized as a determinant of success. However, beyond the naval architecture literature, little attention has been given to the role that innovation plays in maritime business. Notwithstanding the increasing number of innovation efforts that can be traced in the industry, little is known of the processes and mechanisms that make innovation successful, with the result that initiatives are often uncoordinated, unfocused, poorly managed, and do not deliver the expected results. In order to improve innovation processes, better insight is needed into what motivates innovation along maritime supply chains, in particular for ocean carriers, (inland) terminal operators, port managers, and hinterland transport operators. To this end, the paper proposes an index-based approach using data collected for 59 innovation cases to capture the degree of alignment between innovation strategy and outcomes in various maritime logistics business sectors. Substantial misalignment exists between company strategies and innovation success, and efforts should be made to improve the strategic processes that lead to collaborative innovation in maritime supply chains.
Michele Acciaro; Christa Sys. Innovation in the maritime sector: aligning strategy with outcomes. Maritime Policy & Management 2020, 47, 1045 -1063.
AMA StyleMichele Acciaro, Christa Sys. Innovation in the maritime sector: aligning strategy with outcomes. Maritime Policy & Management. 2020; 47 (8):1045-1063.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichele Acciaro; Christa Sys. 2020. "Innovation in the maritime sector: aligning strategy with outcomes." Maritime Policy & Management 47, no. 8: 1045-1063.
Major changes in the job market are currently observed, among others a consequence of the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in port areas. The question is how important the mismatch is between supply and demand for jobs, skills and competences, as a consequence among others of the above-mentioned changes. From literature, general trends in the job market are identified and their impact is translated to new trends in ports. The aim of the research is threefold: mapping the eventual mismatch in terms of employment, examining whether technological innovations (ICT and automation) have an impact on the future professions and specialisations and identifying the skills that need to be developed by education. The case is the maritime and non-maritime cluster in the port of Antwerp looking forward at a 2030 horizon. Next to conducting literature review, the study analyses quantitative data on the characteristics of employment in the port of Antwerp provided by the social security administration. Moreover a qualitative analysis through interviews was done in close cooperation with the port community, including port companies, port associations and educational institutes. The main results are threefold. First, the appearance of a polarised job market, where due to ICT introduction and automation, a lot of middle-paid paperwork jobs disappear. Second, that jobs on the floor will be more and more assisted by robotics and data applications and analysis, including use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Third, that management jobs will become more and more complex with multi-skilling becoming a key. Therefore training programmes must include new skills like ICT, but also soft skills like teamwork and communication. Special attention is needed to motivate and host females and non-natives in the port job market.
Anton Esser; Christa Sys; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. The labour market for the port of the future. A case study for the port of Antwerp. Case Studies on Transport Policy 2019, 8, 349 -360.
AMA StyleAnton Esser, Christa Sys, Thierry Vanelslander, Ann Verhetsel. The labour market for the port of the future. A case study for the port of Antwerp. Case Studies on Transport Policy. 2019; 8 (2):349-360.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnton Esser; Christa Sys; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. 2019. "The labour market for the port of the future. A case study for the port of Antwerp." Case Studies on Transport Policy 8, no. 2: 349-360.
Road transportation is a key mode of transport when it comes to ensuring the hinterland connection of most European ports. Constrained by low profit margins and having to be active in a highly competitive market, companies active in this sector seek multi-dimensional innovative solutions that lower their operational costs. These innovative initiatives also yield positive environmental effects. The latter however are poorly recognized. This paper investigates the characteristics of different types of chassis used to transport containers from and to the terminals in the port areas and looks into the details of operational planning practices. It analyses the cost-effectiveness of these innovative solutions highlighting both the costs and the environmental emissions they save. Transport data from a road hauler serving the hinterland connection of a port in Western Europe is used to build up a case study. Results show that by using special types of chassis, which enable the combination of transport tasks in round-trips, the operational costs are reduced by 25% to 35%, and equally the CO2 emissions are also decreased by 34% to 38%.
Valentin Carlan; Christa Sys; Thierry Vanelslander. Innovation in Road Freight Transport: Quantifying the Environmental Performance of Operational Cost-Reducing Practices. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2212 .
AMA StyleValentin Carlan, Christa Sys, Thierry Vanelslander. Innovation in Road Freight Transport: Quantifying the Environmental Performance of Operational Cost-Reducing Practices. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (8):2212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentin Carlan; Christa Sys; Thierry Vanelslander. 2019. "Innovation in Road Freight Transport: Quantifying the Environmental Performance of Operational Cost-Reducing Practices." Sustainability 11, no. 8: 2212.
Joris Beckers; Maarten Vanhoof; Ann Verhetsel. Returning the particular: Understanding hierarchies in the Belgian logistics system. Journal of Transport Geography 2019, 76, 315 -324.
AMA StyleJoris Beckers, Maarten Vanhoof, Ann Verhetsel. Returning the particular: Understanding hierarchies in the Belgian logistics system. Journal of Transport Geography. 2019; 76 ():315-324.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoris Beckers; Maarten Vanhoof; Ann Verhetsel. 2019. "Returning the particular: Understanding hierarchies in the Belgian logistics system." Journal of Transport Geography 76, no. : 315-324.
The port sector is often perceived to be lagging behind in terms of innovative initiatives. It is unclear whether this is the result of a more limited engagement of the scientific community, or poor external marketing from port operators or whether the limited number of port-related scientific studies is not representative of the real volume of innovation in the sector. In order to offer deeper insight into the connections between the academic (port) innovation literature and actual innovation practices in the port sector, firstly, the literature is reviewed over the 2011–2018 period. Secondly, the paper proposes a typology, which supports the management of the innovation process and upon which future research could be based. Last, the analysis of 75 port-related innovation initiatives provides an application of the proposed typology. The findings from the study of innovation in the port-related sectors show that multi-dimensional innovation encompassing technological, managerial, organisational and cultural aspects is prevailing in this industry. So far only a handful of innovation cases are the result of co-operation, generally with other firms upstream or downstream in the maritime supply chain. Ultimately, it emerges, however, that collaborative innovation or co-innovation is the way forward for future maritime- and port-related innovation.
Thierry Vanelslander; Christa Sys; Jasmine Siu Lee Lam; Claudio Ferrari; Athena Roumboutsos; Michele Acciaro; Rosario Macário; Genevieve Giuliano. A serving innovation typology: mapping port-related innovations. Transport Reviews 2019, 39, 611 -629.
AMA StyleThierry Vanelslander, Christa Sys, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam, Claudio Ferrari, Athena Roumboutsos, Michele Acciaro, Rosario Macário, Genevieve Giuliano. A serving innovation typology: mapping port-related innovations. Transport Reviews. 2019; 39 (5):611-629.
Chicago/Turabian StyleThierry Vanelslander; Christa Sys; Jasmine Siu Lee Lam; Claudio Ferrari; Athena Roumboutsos; Michele Acciaro; Rosario Macário; Genevieve Giuliano. 2019. "A serving innovation typology: mapping port-related innovations." Transport Reviews 39, no. 5: 611-629.
La Politique Scientifique Fédérale a récemment financé (2004-2006) un projet de recherche nommé ATLAS qui a pour but principal l’exploitation des données issues du dernier «recensement» de 2001. A l’heure de la sortie des monographies et atlas, il nous semble important d’insister sur le fait qu’il s’agit des dernières images géo-statistiques complètes de la Belgique. En effet, à l’instar de bien des pays voisins, le recensement exhaustif de la population et des logements sera remplacé en 2011 par d’autres modes de collectes des données : enquêtes, micro-recensements et bases de données administratives. Si ces autres bases de données pourront à terme remplacer certaines statistiques produites par les recensements, de nombreuses réalités statistiques et surtout spatiales seront définitivement perdues et – surtout – ignorées. L’objectif de ce numéro de Regards économiques n’est pas d’en faire un tour exhaustif, mais bien d’illustrer sur base d’un certain nombre d’exemples l’importance du recensement tant pour le scientifique que pour le décideur. Les exemples sont issus des domaines de recherche des trois signataires de cet article, en particulier ceux de l’économie géographique, du transport et de la santé. A titre d’illustration, voici deux exemples de réalités statistiques où le recensement procure des résultats incomparables dans tous les sens du terme : En 2001, le recensement inclut pour la première fois des questions à propos de la santé subjective des habitants, des affections chroniques, des limitations fonctionnelles de longue durée, ainsi que sur le problème des aidants naturels (c’est-à-dire des personnes prestant des soins ou des services à titre bénévole pour des malades ou personnes dépendantes). Grâce à ces données récoltées à un niveau de désagrégation spatial très fin, le recensement a permis des analyses contextuelles de la santé, c’est-à-dire d’étudier des facteurs environnementaux (telle la pollution) ou macro-sociétaux (tels le capital social ou la mixité sociale) qui, au-delà, des caractéristiques des individus, peuvent affecter l’état de santé des individus. Certes de nombreuses études contextuelles sont réalisées avec des données d’enquête (échantillon, sondage), mais leur conception ne permet pas vraiment d’appréhender les effets contextuels car le plan d’échantillonnage de ces enquêtes n’est pas conçu au départ pour une analyse spatiale. Le recensement est ici indispensable. Avec la disparition du recensement, on ne disposera plus d’information exhaustive sur les navettes (leur longueur, les modes de transport utilisés, etc.). Les «enquêtes de mobilité» peuvent compléter de façon très intéressante les recensements, mais elles ne les remplaceront jamais. En supprimant le recensement, on se prive définitivement en matière de déplacements d’une vision spatiale complète des différences locales. Or, nous savons que la situation est bien plus complexe qu’une simple «opposition Flandre-Wallonie» : certaines communes flamandes ont un profil statistique proche de communes wallonnes, et inversement ! La réalité statistique belge se décline en plus de «3 moyennes régionales»; les disparités observées à l’échelle méso-géographique (communes) peuvent aussi être nuancées à l’échelle micro-géographique (quartiers et secteurs statistiques) : telle est la richesse de l’analyse géographique multi-échelle, qui n’est possible qu’avec des données telles que celles issues d’un recensement. La suppression programmée du recensement décennal va ainsi nous priver d’un outil d’observation et de décision capital, en tous cas en matière de navettes (aucune autre banque de donnée ne peut remplacer le recensement), mais également dans d’autres domaines tels les logements ou la satisfaction des ménages.
Vincent Lorant; Isabelle Thomas; Ann Verhetsel. Numéro 67 - mars 2009. Regards économiques 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleVincent Lorant, Isabelle Thomas, Ann Verhetsel. Numéro 67 - mars 2009. Regards économiques. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincent Lorant; Isabelle Thomas; Ann Verhetsel. 2018. "Numéro 67 - mars 2009." Regards économiques , no. : 1.
Daily Urban Systems (DUSs) are not only an attractive concept for planning locations for jobs, housing, schools and retail, but also for managing services such as public transportation and health care. If we can match geographically demand and supply of goods and services, higher levels of spatial efficiency can be reached. Since 50 years most of the research delineating DUSs uses thresholds of commuting levels, thus identifying labor markets polarized towards central cities. Few research grasps the more recent complex interactions within metropolitan areas due to growth and decentralization of activities. In this paper, we use techniques of complex network theory, namely community detection, on nearly 4,500,000 Belgian commuting links to define DUSs. Secondly, we explore differences for DUSs by gender and by income group. The results confirm the usefulness of community detection techniques for delineating Daily Urban Systems. Commuting patterns of females and low and very low income commuters are geographically more restricted than those of male and high and very high income commuters.
Ann Verhetsel; Joris Beckers; Michiel De Meyere. Assessing Daily Urban Systems: A Heterogeneous Commuting Network Approach. Networks and Spatial Economics 2018, 18, 633 -656.
AMA StyleAnn Verhetsel, Joris Beckers, Michiel De Meyere. Assessing Daily Urban Systems: A Heterogeneous Commuting Network Approach. Networks and Spatial Economics. 2018; 18 (3):633-656.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnn Verhetsel; Joris Beckers; Michiel De Meyere. 2018. "Assessing Daily Urban Systems: A Heterogeneous Commuting Network Approach." Networks and Spatial Economics 18, no. 3: 633-656.
The decision to provide new or additional capacities in the ports is challenging since it should be supported by a growing demand, which require modelling and forecasting the demand of container throughput. This paper develops an instrument which assists the ports’ infrastructure investment-decision-making. A three-step approach is developed by combining the autoregressive distributed lag model with economic scenarios to capture the potential impact of specific risks. The empirical analysis is based on an annual time series (1995–2017) for the total container throughput measured in twenty-foot equivalent units for the main ports within the Hamburg-Le Havre (H-LH) range and a number of economic indices. The study shows that there exists a long-run relationship between the trade indices of EU19 and the total container throughput. The empirical model estimates that the elasticity of the container throughput in the H-LH range to trade indices is about 1.4 on average, and it shows that the moment at which congestion emerges depends strongly on the specific scenario considered.
Yasmine Rashed; Hilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. A combined approach to forecast container throughput demand: Scenarios for the Hamburg-Le Havre range of ports. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice 2018, 117, 127 -141.
AMA StyleYasmine Rashed, Hilde Meersman, Christa Sys, Eddy Van de Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander. A combined approach to forecast container throughput demand: Scenarios for the Hamburg-Le Havre range of ports. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice. 2018; 117 ():127-141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYasmine Rashed; Hilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. 2018. "A combined approach to forecast container throughput demand: Scenarios for the Hamburg-Le Havre range of ports." Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice 117, no. : 127-141.
The widespread adoption of the internet as retail channel is impacting a range of stakeholders. Retailers are expected to sell online, logistics operators are required to reconfigure their supply chain and public authorities try to keep local retail competitive while simultaneously attempt to manage the increase in freight transport. Within this context, a growing body of research is studying the socio-economic profile of the online shopper and the spatial variation in the demand for B2C goods. Yet, as can be expected for a relatively new evolution, little consensus exist. Therefore, in this paper, with data from the national retail federation on online shopping behaviour, we add to this growing field by first analysing the relation between socio-economic characteristics and the willingness to shop online. By mapping these characteristics, we then construct the geography of online shopping adoption in Belgium. Finally, we assess the impacts of this specific geography for the stakeholders that are adapting to this new reality. We conclude firstly that the well-educated man in his thirties with a well-paid job has the highest probability to shop online, independent of the level of urbanisation of the area he resides. Secondly, we predict over- and underestimations of the potential online buyers of up to 50% when assuming a homogeneous e-commerce penetration, especially in poorer urban areas. This implies a serious negligence for e-commerce practitioners and academics when ignoring the specific geography of the online shopping adoption.
Joris Beckers; Ivan Cárdenas; Ann Verhetsel. Identifying the geography of online shopping adoption in Belgium. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 2018, 45, 33 -41.
AMA StyleJoris Beckers, Ivan Cárdenas, Ann Verhetsel. Identifying the geography of online shopping adoption in Belgium. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. 2018; 45 ():33-41.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoris Beckers; Ivan Cárdenas; Ann Verhetsel. 2018. "Identifying the geography of online shopping adoption in Belgium." Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 45, no. : 33-41.
Research on regional economic development increasingly embraces more nuanced perspectives on the evolution of clusters, industries and agglomerations. The extent to which the emergence and decline of clusters can be directed with intentional regional development strategies is, however, a major point of discussion. The article links the cluster life cycle concept to regional development strategies in order to examine the trajectory of Europe’s largest chemical complex in and around the Port of Antwerp (Belgium). This chemical cluster has matured and currently is in a state of stability. Although the cluster did not experience growth over the last decades in terms of new entrants, it did transform internally and maintained its importance as a production centre. Thus, whereas lock-in mechanisms hampered growth, they also prevented the cluster from going into a state of decline. We argue that while regional development strategies stimulated new emerging clusters in the Flemish region, vested interests in the port and associated lock-in mechanisms have resisted such developments in Antwerp. New growth trajectories based on the chemical cluster were therefore difficult to recreate in the Antwerp region.
Ties Vanthillo; Jeroen Cant; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. Understanding evolution in the Antwerp chemical cluster: the role of regional development strategies. European Planning Studies 2018, 26, 1519 -1536.
AMA StyleTies Vanthillo, Jeroen Cant, Thierry Vanelslander, Ann Verhetsel. Understanding evolution in the Antwerp chemical cluster: the role of regional development strategies. European Planning Studies. 2018; 26 (8):1519-1536.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTies Vanthillo; Jeroen Cant; Thierry Vanelslander; Ann Verhetsel. 2018. "Understanding evolution in the Antwerp chemical cluster: the role of regional development strategies." European Planning Studies 26, no. 8: 1519-1536.
Recent airport cooperation initiatives and the lack of detailed research on the cooperation between airports suggest a research gap on this topic. The present study therefore investigates cooperative arrangements between European airports by focusing on their financial intertwinement. Social network analysis tools are used to examine the structural patterns of financial relationships in the airport sector, while a multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure (MRQAP) is applied to measure the impact of financial path dependency and spatial patterns on the occurrence of investment ties. The findings indicate a high degree of stability in investment relations in the airport industry over time. Furthermore, it is suggested that the formation of interorganisational linkages is facilitated by spatial proximity.
Katja Bringmann; Katrien De Langhe; Franziska Kupfer; Christa Sys; Eddy Van De Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. Cooperation between airports: A focus on the financial intertwinement of European airport operators. Journal of Air Transport Management 2018, 69, 59 -71.
AMA StyleKatja Bringmann, Katrien De Langhe, Franziska Kupfer, Christa Sys, Eddy Van De Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander. Cooperation between airports: A focus on the financial intertwinement of European airport operators. Journal of Air Transport Management. 2018; 69 ():59-71.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatja Bringmann; Katrien De Langhe; Franziska Kupfer; Christa Sys; Eddy Van De Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. 2018. "Cooperation between airports: A focus on the financial intertwinement of European airport operators." Journal of Air Transport Management 69, no. : 59-71.
The maritime and port sector is widely considered conservative concerning the ability to introduce innovation in respect to other industries. This may be due to the lack of cooperative interactions among the several players involved. It does not mean that innovation does not occur in this industry. Along with some technical innovations, managerial, organizational, and cultural innovations also take place in the sector. The literature has considered the assessment and effects of the adoption of particular innovation, but still few studies underline the innovation path in a broad sense with a specific focus on terminal operators. The present article aims at filling this gap through a field analysis grouping together case studies developed in different world regions and examining the adoption path of innovation through a mix of three different techniques (i.e. the H- and I-indexes, a Systems of Innovation Analysis, and a Qualitative Comparative Analysis). Research outcomes underline how, even if no unique recipe for success can be found, specific factors (e.g. a ranking of innovation objectives, coordination among actors, and institutions) can influence the achievement of success. The analyses allow suggesting strategic and policy advice that may help link in a better way the innovation drivers with their actual effects.
Michele Acciaro; Claudio Ferrari; Jasmine Sl Lam; Rosario Macario; Athena Roumboutsos; Christa Sys; Alessio Tei; Thierry Vanelslander. Are the innovation processes in seaport terminal operations successful? Maritime Policy & Management 2018, 45, 787 -802.
AMA StyleMichele Acciaro, Claudio Ferrari, Jasmine Sl Lam, Rosario Macario, Athena Roumboutsos, Christa Sys, Alessio Tei, Thierry Vanelslander. Are the innovation processes in seaport terminal operations successful? Maritime Policy & Management. 2018; 45 (6):787-802.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichele Acciaro; Claudio Ferrari; Jasmine Sl Lam; Rosario Macario; Athena Roumboutsos; Christa Sys; Alessio Tei; Thierry Vanelslander. 2018. "Are the innovation processes in seaport terminal operations successful?" Maritime Policy & Management 45, no. 6: 787-802.
The general objective of this chapter is to assess the competitive conditions of the container liner shipping industry. To do this, it takes a closer look at four key issues in container liner shipping: pricing as an indicator of competition, market concentration, product development and differentiation, and (de)regulation. Despite the existence of cooperation agreements, the container liner shipping industry is typically a competitive environment where supply grows stronger than demand, resulting in declining freight rates. Knowledge about the degree of competition is obtained by the calculation of two indicators (i.e. an indicator of concentration and an indicator of market share instability). The research shows that the container liner shipping industry has no need for new regulatory initiatives for the time being. What is required is adequate monitoring of the market evolution and the significant variables.
Hilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. Competition and the container liner shipping industry. Handbook of International Trade and Transportation 2018, 660 -678.
AMA StyleHilde Meersman, Christa Sys, Eddy Van de Voorde, Thierry Vanelslander. Competition and the container liner shipping industry. Handbook of International Trade and Transportation. 2018; ():660-678.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHilde Meersman; Christa Sys; Eddy Van de Voorde; Thierry Vanelslander. 2018. "Competition and the container liner shipping industry." Handbook of International Trade and Transportation , no. : 660-678.