Description: Knowledge issues:
- organisation of spatial clusters - practical rules and guidelines - economic viability
This project makes contributions to each of the above knowledge issues:
- A collection of models has been developed which describe a large number of spatial cluster structures and processes with synergy between the various activities in the cluster. The calculation models provide insight into mass flows and financial feasibility. The mass flow models describe the inputs and outputs per activity, thereby giving companies insight into the opportunities available for linking their own process into a cluster. This makes it possible to obtain a rough estimate of the effects in terms of sustainability. The financial feasibility calculations provide insight into investment costs per process, savings and total benefit achieved via clustering. - Practical rules and guidelines: by interacting and working together with the entrepreneurs concerned, it was possible to obtain more accurate information about their motives for cooperating. The most important drivers can be summarised as follows:
0 contribution in terms of licence-to-exist: the sustainability of the clustering encourages acceptance by society; 0 money needs to be earned: grant applications, for example for sustainable energy, can be motivated with the help of scientific results; 0 eliminating uncertainties: the models provide insight into the feasibility of combinations of (individually) proven techniques.
- Economic viability: cost estimates for installations (confirmed by various stakeholders) have been integrated into the models referred to.
Research objectives: Identifying and describing state-of-the-art technology and expertise as well as developing models for sustainable fuels (bio-diesel) and energy in an agri-park setting; gaining practical knowledge and experience via intensive interaction with proactive members of the business community.
Results and products: With an eye on re-use of the results, they were integrated in models. These models are used in other (commercial) projects. Practically, entrepreneurs have started developing clusters based on this research:
- The initiators of New Mixed Farm have chosen the definite layout of the cluster and the connecting bio-energy plant - Some entrepreneurs have started developing their plans at Biopark Terneuzen: a biodiesel plant and a heat distribution system for greenhouses. |