SPACE2VALUE - license to operate en maatschappelijke meerwaarde van logistiek vastgoed in schaarse ruimte

Motivation and objectives

The Netherlands is struggling with scarce urban space and multimodal hub capacity, while demand for logistics real estate is increasing. Congestion, migrant worker housing, emissions and other impacts have created social resistance and undermined the licence to operate. This project develops a paradigm in which social value per square metre, rather than expansion, is the guiding principle. The aim is to create a data-driven tool and policy frameworks to select locations where logistics activities can offer the highest social added value, in line with the Top Sector Logistics themes of “Scarcity of space” and “Labour market shortages”.

Activities and work packages

After a start-up phase, the project consists of four work packages:

• WP1 Spatial pressure on logistics: compiling and analysing micro-datasets on spatial pressure on logistics; and inventorying real estate concepts/business models around mixed-use logistics functions.
• WP2 Social valuation: operationalising broad prosperity indicators, including automation and mixed use, and building an initial valuation tool.
• WP3 Integrated assessment model: integrating spatial and social data into a GIS-based decision support model with visualisation tools.
• WP4 Validation and implementation: practical pilots in regions, systematic stakeholder feedback, open source release and workshops.

Expected results

1. Compiled spatial-economic and social datasets.
2. Location and valuation analyses for Dutch hotspots.
3. Digital location selection model with user interface and manual.
4. Validation and upscaling plan after practical testing.
5. Scientific output: at least 6 peer-reviewed articles and 24 MSc theses.
6. Practical products: fact sheets, policy recommendations and training materials.

   Innovativeness

   This approach combines spatial planning, regional economics and broad welfare assessment into a single decision-making tool. For the first time, the licence to operate for logistics real estate is being operationalised using both quantitative and qualitative indicators. Multidisciplinary cross-fertilisation is creating a unique solution framework for a “wicked problem” in logistics-spatial development.

   Consortium

   The consortium brings together strong knowledge partners and practical organisations. This composition guarantees that the project is both scientifically robust and directly applicable in practice and policy.

   Valorisation and implementation strategy

   Quarterly newsletters, fact sheets and trade media articles will be published throughout the project. Following the open-source release, workshops will be organised for local authorities, developers and businesses. Practical partners can integrate the tool into regional policy frameworks.