Creating Synergies in Eco-Industrial Parks in the Netherlands: A Refined Framework Through a Cross-Case Analysis

Creating Synergies in Eco-Industrial Parks in the Netherlands: A Refined Framework Through a Cross-Case Analysis

Valladolid Calderon, Carlos (TU Delft Technology, Policy and Management)

Quist, J.N. (mentor)
Korevaar, G. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Management of Technology (MoT)

2021-05-10

The Netherlands is aiming for a circular economy. To transition to a circular economy, eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are needed. The problem is that developing EIPs is not easy. Many industrial parks aiming to become more sustainable and transform into EIPs have failed. In the Netherlands, industrial symbiosis, which is the most important aspect of EIPs, is not common. However, some EIPs in the country have successfully implemented industrial symbiosis and utility sharing activities. Studying what these successful EIPs have done to implement utility sharing and industrial symbiosis activities is relevant to understand what can be done in other EIP developments to increase their likelihood of success. The literature revealed some gaps that need to be addressed regarding EIPs. There is little literature on EIPs in the Netherlands, and most of the existent literature regarding the success factors and barriers to creating synergies in the Netherlands is old. Besides, there is no literature on some EIPs. This study fills the gaps by updating what is happening at three front-running EIPs in the Netherlands and what are the success factors and barriers that played a role in the implementation of synergies. Therefore, the main research question for this study is: What are the main factors that influence the implementation of industrial symbiosis and utility sharing in front-running eco-industrial parks in the Netherlands?Three successful parks in terms of industrial symbiosis and utility sharing were studied using the framework of Eilering & Vermeulen (2004) to answer this question. The selected front-running EIPs were InnoFase in Duiven, Industrial Park Kleefse Waard in Arnhem, and Biopark Terneuzen in Zeeland. A cross-case analysis was made between the three EIPs.In total, nine main factors and 64 sub-factors were found as relevant to implement industrial symbiosis and utility sharing when developing an EIP. With these findings, the framework of Eilering & Vermeulen (2004) was refined.

Eco-industrial park
Industrial Symbiosis
Utility Sharing
Circular Economy
InnoFase
Industrial Park Kleefse Waard
Biopark Terneuzen

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:fd7efa1f-a9f2-4837-a43b-df8e8ccebe6f

Student theses

master thesis

© 2021 Carlos Valladolid Calderon