PlatformU Seminar: A tool for circular area management

We are excited to invite you to the launch of our newest tool, PlatformU, which helps area managers to implement #circulareconomy on industrial parks and territories.

During this webinar, we will look at the role of the area manager and why it is needed. We will explore experiences in Flanders and present a new digital platform, called PlatformU, for supporting area management. This online and open-source tool is a collaboration between Université libre de Bruxelles and Metabolism of Cities and was funded by Circular Flanders.

What is an area manager?

Over the last five years, topics like the circular economy, urban manufacturing, industry 4.0 and even the foundational economy have attracted the attention of public authorities and policy makers. Cities have much to gain from efficiently used industrial land, capturing waste flows and nurturing innovative and competitive business conditions. The area manager could play a vital match-making role by linking businesses, identifying opportunities for collaboration, sharing equipment and looking for more effective use of resources.

Learning from Flanders

Since the 1960’s, industrial zones in Flanders were developed, located on the fringes of cities across the region. Some of these industrial zones were managed by local public authorities, while others generated voluntary organisations. Over the last decade, the Flemish government has developed policy to ensure all industrial zones contain an area management body (referred to as bedrijterreinmanagers). Flanders now contains a rich and diverse range of examples of how area management operates.

Researchers from the Metabolism of Cities and the ULB partnered to learn more about opportunities for matchmaking between businesses in industrial areas. We found that the area managers both in Flanders (and beyond) provide a vital but poorly recognised role in supporting local businesses and strengthening local networks. While some area managers had professionalised, their scope for action was limited by complexity and the tools to manage interactions between businesses.

A platform for area management

In this presentation we will look at the role of the area manager and why it is needed. We will explore experiences in Flanders and present a new digital platform, called PlatformU, for supporting area management.

Sign up for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/platformu-a-tool-for-circular-area-management-tickets-110819662594 and please share this with colleagues that might find it useful. See you there!

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