HvA launches research programme on SMEs in Main Ports

The Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences (HvA) is launching a four-year research programme into Chain and Network Strategies of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Main Ports.

The aim of the research programme is to expand knowledge and understanding of the chain and network position of SMEs in the main ports in the Netherlands. This will enhance the level of knowledge present among SMEs and hence allow them to operate pro-actively within chains and networks in a main port context. The launch of the research programme was made possible by a subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Boosting research credentials
A second important aim is to boost the strength of research at the HvA in the area of logistics chains, networks and main ports. The programme is being conducted in the three main port locations of the Netherlands: the ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The programme is supported and directed by a consortium consisting of main port organisations, SME/sector associations and knowledge institutions. The research programme is an initiative of the Logistics lectureship of the HvA and will be headed by Dick van Damme, Logistics lecturer.

Parties participating in the consortium
The participating main port organisations are: Schiphol Group, Port of Amsterdam, Port of Rotterdam Authority and Customs West. The representative SME/sector associations are: Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN), ORAM, Deltalinqs, EVO and Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN). In addition to the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences, knowledge institutions that are involved in the programme are: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and VU University Amsterdam.