EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Entrepreneur’s role is essential to neighbourhood economies

Entrepreneur’s role is essential to neighbourhood economies

Introduction

The local economy plays an essential role in the improvement of the social quality of life in a neighbourhood. Entrepreneurs play their own part by reporting nuisance to local authorities, registering complaints about management or maintenance, attending participation meetings and stimulating voluntary work in the neighbourhood.

Municipalities should, therefore, improve acquaintance with subsidies of businesses who invest in security measures. These are some of the conclusions and recommendations made in the report: “de Kracht van de Wijk” by Rabobank in cooperation with Amsterdam City Council and MKB Amsterdam.

Proposition

How can the neighbourhood economy be stimulated in the three Krachtwijken (“Power Neighbourhoods”) in order to improve the quality of life in these areas?

Description

Five neighbourhoods in Amsterdam have been researched: three ‘Power Neighbourhoods’ and two so-called Reference Neighbourhoods. The three Power Neighbourhoods are: Bos en Lommer, Nieuwendam Noord & De Banne and Transvaal & Indische Buurt. These neighbourhoods have been compared, both to each other and to the two Reference Neighbourhoods, according to the value of the neighbourhood to businesses, and the value of these businesses to the neighbourhood. Four hundred businesses took part in the survey.

The Reference Neighbourhoods are De Pijp and Westerpark: two areas where it is now pleasant to live, work and enjoy recreation. These were once deprived areas, both economically and socially. Today, the neighbourhood economy is flourishing and plays an important role in the local quality of life. These areas therefore symbolise the potential that the Power Neighbourhoods have to offer.

Conclusions

The main conclusions of the research:

Level of education and the local environment determine achievement, as businesses situated in the Power Neighbourhoods under-perform in comparison to businesses in the Reference Neighbourhoods;
Less sense of responsibility for the quality of life in the Power Neighbourhoods;
Power Neighbourhoods are rated lower by the businesses that were polled;
Support expanding companies also, and improve their ties with the neighbourhood;
Ensure, in all phases, appropriate accommodation for businesses;
Improve the position and profile of visible economy (retail trade and catering).

For entrepreneurs

More attention for expanding companies and those starting anew, especially concerning accommodation;
Good communication with and service from local government and housing corporations;
Attention for the costs to business of city maintenance and improvement;

Generic policy for businesses. No special favours for specific target groups.

Contact info

Rabobank Nederland - Directoraat Kennis en Economisch Onderzoek
Postbus 17100
3500 HG Utrecht
The Netherlands
Phone: 0031 (0)30 2164287
www.rabobankgroep.nl/kennisbank

Publication date

/03/2008

Researcher

drs. A. Bakkeren en drs. R. Aalders

Click here to read the full report "De kracht van de wijk" (PDF, NL, 604 kB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Keywords

Urban economy