The Port of Rotterdam operates within a fragmented innovation ecosystem in which strategic decisions are often made at a global level, while social legitimacy and public support are obtained locally. Although social value is often formulated as a strategic priority, it is rarely operationalised in the daily practice of innovation teams. This results in a structural gap between port-driven innovation and the daily reality of the surrounding neighbourhoods. This thesis addresses this gap by designing a strategic orchestration approach that makes social value explicit, readable and traceable at the neighbourhood level. Using a phase-based design research approach that combines Frame Creation and an iterative Triple Diamond logic, the research integrates ecosystem analysis, neighbourhood grounding through qualitative research and co-creation with stakeholders. The result is the Impact Map Port of Rotterdam system: a hybrid physical-digital boundary object that facilitates dialogue about how innovations relate to neighbourhood needs in four dimensions: living, working, experience and safety.

The Impact Map works through a recurring process of structured input collection, facilitated mapping sessions and digital consolidation. It is explicitly positioned as a conversation and interpretation tool rather than a KPI or evaluation tool. Validation with district managers, innovators and the innovation team PoR demonstrates a high degree of desirability, as the system supports shared understanding, early risk reflection and more informed communication about social impacts. Feasibility is ensured by a lightweight governance structure that requires limited organisational capacity, while viability is supported by complementary positioning alongside existing strategic and technical frameworks.

The thesis contributes to design practice in complex stakeholder environments by introducing societal legibility as a design goal. It shows how design can support coordination, not through optimisation or measurement, but through shared interpretation and structured dialogue, keeping industrial innovation credible and responsive at the scale of everyday urban life.