A typology of Dutch regions based on remote working arrangements and the urban–rural divide
This MSc topic develops a typology of Dutch regions that captures how remote work affects their spatial, economic and social characteristics (Extending Task 2.3 of R-Map1). While the EU-level work uses NUTS-2, this thesis zooms in on the Netherlands municipalities to reveal finer-grained patterns, differentiating, for example, metropolitan regions, commuting belts, and rural or peripheral areas with emerging remote work.
The student will build a regional database combining R-Map model factors (e.g. remote workers’ share, relocation and population dynamics, housing and labour market indicators, accessibility, quality-of-life proxies) using CBS and other national datasets, as well as R-Map model outputs. Using exploratory data analysis and cluster analysis (e.g., k-means, hierarchical clustering), the thesis will (i) derive a typology of Dutch regions based on the R-Map model factors and outputs; (ii) interpret and map the resulting clusters along the urban–rural gradient; and (iii) compare the Dutch typology with the broader EU-level classes to understand similarities and specificities. The work provides insights for tailoring policies and scenarios to different Dutch regional types.
Find more information here: https://r-map.eu and https://r-map.eu/deliverables/