Innovation opportunities in the port of Rotterdam

Erasmus UPT researchers Jeroen van Haaren, Rosanne van Houwelingen and Martijn Streng publish study together with Frank van Oort (ESE), Ron Boschma (UU) and Pierre-Alexandre Balland (UU). In this study commissioned by SmartPort, they discuss the innovation opportunities in the port of Rotterdam.

Is the knowledge base in the Rotterdam port region adequate to reach the innovation ambitions set out in policy? Innovative activity in Rotterdam appears promising in complex technologies, which is beneficial for the economic future of the region. Nevertheless, the study also shows that the present complexity and relatedness of innovation priorities do not always match policy ambitions. The conclusions provide guidance for a more targeted focus on R&D subsidies and the further development of successful cooperation projects within the region and the EU.

“Knowledge development and innovation are extremely important for the port's competitive position.”

Victor van der Chijs, chariman Deltalinqs

Learn more about the port of Rotterdam.

"Knowledge development and innovation are extremely important for the port's competitive position. This study provides insight into the development opportunities and offers tools for further choices in the field of sustainability and making the port of Rotterdam smarter." Victor van der Chijs, chairman of Deltalinqs.

Unique collaboration

In an innovative way, and in a unique collaboration, the Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port & Transport Economics (Erasmus UPT), together with Utrecht University and Erasmus School of Economics, and commissioned by SmartPort, has investigated the innovation and growth capacity of the Rotterdam Port region. Innovation capacity is an important element in Rotterdam's policy agenda, but what is the region’s actual performance in terms of innovation and growth capacity? The conclusions of this study provide insight into feasibility of the ambitions set in Rotterdam. The conclusions are a step towards 'evidence-based' innovation policy in the Rotterdam Port Area.

New insights and opportunities

By assessing for each technology and sector to what extent they can build on existing relevant knowledge (i.e. related knowledge) in the region, and by assessing the complexity of these activities, a reality check of regional priorities is made. The technologies have been analyzed using patent data and are divided into 9 priorities.

The Rotterdam port area appears to hold promise in the so-called 'Green' priorities. These include;

Photovoltaic electrification (solar panels)
Offshore Wind Turbines
Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels
Bio-resources and Carbon Capture

The Rotterdam port area is one of the leading regions in Europe when it comes to new technology development in Offshore Wind Turbines. However, opportunities are still available by adding complementary knowledge from other regions such as Norway, Scotland, Denmark and Northern Germany.

Opportunities

The position of the Rotterdam port region in technology development in the field of Autonomous Sailing and Collision Prevention and Traffic Control appears to have deteriorated relatively in recent years and it is not entirely clear why. There (still) is significant relevant (related) technology available in the region on Autonomous Sailing, but there is a lack of relevant knowledge in the field of Collision Prevention and Traffic Control. Also, in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, which are part of Digital transition priorities, the available knowledge & expertise is extremely limited. Cooperation with partners such as the regions North Brabant, South-East England, Southern Germany and the Paris region offer interesting opportunities.

"The report shows the importance of working together with other European regions for innovation in the port. Connecting with other regions is not an option, but a necessity. This way Rotterdam can realize its ambitions." Michiel Nijdam, Head of Strategy Port of Rotterdam.

Evidence-based

The identification of promising activities is a step towards 'evidence-based' innovation policy in the Rotterdam Port region. In addition to more targeted R&D subsidies and more effective collaborative projects, human capital policies, such as education policy, can be more tailored to local needs. In consultation with stakeholders, as well as local authorities and organizations such as SmartPort, policy plans can be continuously monitored, evaluated and updated.

Source: Erasmus UPT