SPACE2VALUE - license to operate en maatschappelijke meerwaarde van logistiek vastgoed in schaarse ruimte
Motivation and Objectives
The Netherlands is facing increasing scarcity of urban space and limited capacity at multimodal hubs, while
demand for logistics real estate continues to rise. Congestion, housing for labor migrants, emissions, and other
impacts have generated societal resistance and undermined the license to operate. This project develops a
paradigm in which not expansion, but societal value per square meter is the guiding principle. The aim is to
create a data-driven instrument and policy framework to identify locations where logistics activities can deliver the
highest societal added value, in line with the Top Sector Logistics themes “Spatial Scarcity” and “Labor Market
Shortages.”
Activities and Work Packages
Following an initiation phase, the project consists of four work packages:
• WP1 – Spatial pressure of logistics: compiling and analyzing micro-datasets on spatial pressure from
logistics, and identifying real estate concepts/business models involving functional mix.
• WP2 – Societal valuation: operationalizing broad welfare indicators, including automation and functional
mix, and developing an initial valuation tool.
• WP3 – Integrated assessment model: combining spatial and societal data in a GIS-based decision
support model with visualization tools.
• WP4 – Validation and implementation: pilot cases in regional contexts, systematic stakeholder feedback,
open-source release, and workshops.
Expected Results
- Compiled spatial-economic and societal datasets.
- Location and valuation analyses for Dutch hotspots.
- Digital site selection model with user interface and manual.
- Validation and scaling-up plan after pilot testing.
- Scientific output: at least 6 peer-reviewed articles and 24 MSc theses.
- Practical deliverables: factsheets, policy recommendations, and training materials.
Innovative Contribution
This approach integrates spatial planning, regional economics, and broad welfare valuation into a single decisionmaking
instrument. For the first time, the license to operate of logistics real estate is operationalized using both
quantitative and qualitative indicators. Through multidisciplinary cross-fertilization, the project provides a unique
problem-solving framework for a “wicked problem” in logistics and spatial development.
Consortium
The consortium brings together leading knowledge institutes and practice-oriented organizations. This
composition ensures the project is both scientifically robust and directly applicable in practice and policy:
• Tilburg University (lead): expertise in supply chain management, behavioral operations, and welfare
measurement.
• Erasmus UPT: leading in spatial-economic analyses and cluster concepts.
• DILAS, Deka Immobilien, Q-Park, Kivits Drunen, SADC: prominent logistics real estate developers and
investors providing case studies and data.
• Midpoint Brabant, Logistics Valley, Municipality of Waalwijk: regional and local governments contributing
data and pilots from the public domain.
Valorization and Implementation Strategy
Throughout the project, quarterly newsletters, factsheets, and articles in professional journals will be published.
After the open-source release, workshops will be organized for municipalities, developers, and companies.
Practice partners can integrate the tool into regional policy frameworks.
