Chain & network strategies of SME's mainport R'dam

Opdracht
What are the current positions of small- and medium enterprises (SME's) which are active in the mainport of Rotterdam, in care of their competitive position, innovation- and collaboration capability? The research is limited to two clusters: - The chemical industry - The rail- and intermodal transport industry

Aanpak
The network positions of these companies are based on interviews that were taken. Each projectgroup had to interview companies from both sectors by using predetermined interview questions. The results of all interviews were combined in order to draw conclusions.

Resultaat
Results: Chemical cluster: - A lot of cooperation - Dominated by big corporations - SMEs mainly have a supportive role - A close cooperation due to security aspects - Trend: Primary processing in producing countries and a greater emphasis on logistic functions in the ports - Development in the bio-based chemistry Rail & intermodal Cluster: - Competition is more important than cooperation - Low innovative capacity - The cluster has a modest role in the total supply chain - Expansion of functions at several large players - The cluster has good development potential concerning sustainability