After this issue was raised by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, we organised three meetings with network partners: one ‘challenge exploration’ session and two deep dives. Additionally, we organised an international session on this topic in November in Barcelona during the Smart City Expo. A project assignment has also been issued for an Interdisciplinary Graduation Circle. Over the first half of 2025, three students commited to field research on this topic. In June we'll share the outcomes on our platform.
2024
October 2: First ‘challenge exploration’ session with a number of interested network partners and specialists in zero-emission zones and Urban Logistics. Together, we examined ongoing projects they are involved in and other initiatives they are aware of in the region. We also discussed the challenges they face in this field based on their experiences. Topics we covered in this session:
1. A perceived lack of a shared vision for the alternative logistics system that cities are transitioning to. zero-emission zones currently feel like an additional rule and burden, rather than a collaborative effort towards an innovative and alternative system.
2. The involvement of entrepreneurs. It appears that discussions in recent years have primarily been held with "major players," making it challenging for many small entrepreneurs to adapt due to a lack of alternative options. It is important to address this.
3. What alternatives actually exist? From cargo bikes to canal transport and the use of public transport networks—what works and what doesn't?
October 30: During the first deep dive, we used a stakeholder mapping method to discuss different types of entrepreneurs, industries, hubs, and collective solutions. Key conclusions of this session:
1. Entrepreneurs need to collaborate with each other, trade associations, and the government. The latter should facilitate the transition with clear guidelines, information sharing, and financial support, while avoiding overly complex regulations and bureaucracy.
2. There are already examples of innovative and bundled delivery initiatives.
3. Entrepreneurs need a knowledge-sharing network/platform where they can exchange experiences, tips, and questions. This can help them navigate the challenges of new regulations and foster a sense of involvement. It can also support collaborative initiatives. Logistiek020 is a good example of this.
4. Collaboration with a group of entrepreneurs may also be desirable for this working group. For example, to create networking events such as ZERA, where stories from entrepreneurs can be shared alongside rules, knowledge, and solutions from government and initiatives.
November 5: During our international trip to the Smart City World Expo 2024 in Barcelona, we organised a meeting with international guests on this topic. Specialists from Stockholm, Munich, Oslo, Helsinki, Haarlemmermeer, and Amsterdam were present. We compared local challenges and innovations in this area. We hope to reconvene this group online soon to further strengthen international knowledge exchange on this topic, which is relevant for urban regions worldwide.
December 18: During the second deep dive in our Lab, we reflected on the ZERA event held in November. Some colleagues from the working group were involved in the organisation and shared their feedback on the event: On November 25, the Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Haarlem, Municipality of Zaanstad, Amsterdam Transport Region, and Schiphol organised the Zero-Emission Event Amsterdam Region (ZERA). At this event, entrepreneurs were informed about everything related to zero-emission zones, electric vehicles, charging, transition arrangements, exemptions, financing, and subsidies.
We also discussed what we want to concretely initiate in the new year (2025). One of the outcomes is the organisation of an Interdisciplinary Graduation Circle with Amsterdam’s University of Applied Sciences on this topic. Through a graduation project involving students from various specialisations, several sub-questions on this topic can be explored in the coming months. This will be a collaboration between Amsterdam InChange, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and the working group, with the Amsterdam Transport Region as the official challenge owner.
February - June 2025: The Interdisciplinary Graduation Circle with Amsterdam’s University of Applied Sciences has been installed and three students (Logistics Management, Commercial Economy and Marketing) are now finalizing their research projects. They are focussing on food logistics, Food Center Amsterdam and 'micro-entrepreneurs'. For several months they have been working under the guidance of the Amsterdam Transport Region, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Amsterdam InChange. They have been reporting back to the working group mentioned earlier.
In March, the students hosted a worksession during our Knowledge- & Demoday to gather context and background info from policymakers and researchers. Most of the researchperiod, the group has been active at Food Center Amsterdam and the city streets, to get get in touch with -and qualitative interviews- with local, small scale entrepreneurs.
June 3th, they will present their outcomes to their supervisors and the working group. June 5th, they will present their outcomes and advice to the Amsterdam InChange network during our Knowledge- & Demoday. And June 13th, they will discuss their research during the Meetup Sustainable Foodlogistics by Logistiek020.
