Industry clusters and SMEs

Studie naar de rol van clusters van bedrijven in de economie. Clusters van bedrijven krijgen een groeiende aandacht op alle bestuurlijke niveaus. De achterliggende gedachte is dat samenwerking tussen bedrijven op technologisch gebied leidt tot de creatie van extra toegevoegde waarde, niet alleen voor de samenwerkingspartners zelf, maar ook voor de lokale, regionale en nationale economie. In de studie wordt een clusterdefinitie gepresenteerd en een raamwerk dat als basis kan dienen voor nader onderzoek naar de rol en positie van het MKB in clusters.

Organic Milk Quality in the Netherlands : Distinguishable from conventional milk?

Recent studies have indicated possible positive interactions between organic animal production and, particularly, and various vitamins. As possible distinguishing quality parameters for organic milk, the differences between organic and conventional milk in Netherlands for fatty acid composition and vitamins were investigated in milk samples form supermarkets at several points in time. We have also investigated possible differences in taste and two alternative analytical parameters (bio-photons and bio-crystallisations) because a single quality parameter, like poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), hardly reflects organic intentions to produce quality in a more holistic way being an inherent reflection of proper agricultural practices. These two alternative parameters try to relate to the hypothesis stating that the structure (the ‘order’) of food is just as important to human health as the material composition (Bloksma et al, 2008)

The prevention of potato volunteers in organic farming systems by using pigs.

In organic agriculture potato volunteers, presenting an important primary inoculum source for late Blight (Phytophthora infestans), are controlled by mechanical meth-ods. These may be partly replaced by ‘foraging’ livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, horses, ponies or pigs. Most animals eat only the remaining potatoes on the field surface; however, pigs also dig up potatoes. This paper reports on two experi-ments with pigs (sows or finishing pigs), which appear to be very effective in digging up potatoes that are left in the field after the potato harvest within a reasonable time period. However, the workload for the farmer, problems with animal health and meat quality and possible damage to the soil structure seriously limit the applicability of pigs for the control of potato volunteers. Aspects of animal health, animal nutrition and environmental aspects (nutrient excretion) are discussed

Krimpen met beleid: van afwachten tot afbreken

Contains fulltext : 111700.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Mest van boven: Kunnen maai- meststoffen alleen voldoende stikstof leveren en is dat rendabel?

De biologische akkerbouw in Nederland is indirect afhankelijk van vee. Het klassieke gemengde bedrijf, waarin dieren de mest leveren voor de plantengroei, is niet meer de standaard, maar bemesting met dierlijke mest is wel de basis waarop de gewassen groeien. Is het mogelijk om zonder aanvoer van dierlijke mest goede opbrengsten en kwaliteit te realiseren

People, Place and Partnership: Exploring Strategies to Revitalise Town Centres

More and more town centres in Western Europe are in decline, as indicated by growing shop vacancy rates in shopping streets. To turn the tide, decision makers look for revitalisation strategies. Are there any solutions? Making use of theoretical insights, empirical findings and anecdotal evidence from the Netherlands, we suggest that town centre revitalisation is a matter of connecting people, place and partnership. First, strategies should be based on an understanding of how customers (people) behave. Secondly, redesign of the physical environment (place) might be needed, since visitors prefer compact centres that are built on a human scale and known for a unique profile. Finally, close collaboration between a wide range of local stakeholders (partnership) is essential. We conclude that town centre revitalisation is possible, but takes a lot of energy and patience from the actors involved