Dominique van Keeken

Dominique is a researcher specializing in port economics at Erasmus UPT. She has over five years of professional experience in both industry and applied research, including roles as a project manager, multiple analyst positions such as pricing analyst at Unilever, and as a researcher at the HZ Centre of Expertise in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. At Erasmus UPT, Dominique focuses on economic analyses within the port and maritime sector and contributes to several large-scale impact, monitoring, and strategic studies.

Dominique holds a MSc in Management of Innovation from the Rotterdam School of Management (2021) and a BSc in International Business. In her master’s research, she examined how traditional organisations can leverage innovation platforms to develop digital innovations, providing insights into organisational structures and integration mechanisms that support innovation processes. This background in innovation management and organisational dynamics complements her current work at Erasmus UPT, where she applies analytical and research skills to economic studies in the port and maritime sector.

Expertise

Dominique combines a strong analytical foundation with a well‑developed perspective on the port and maritime sector. Her expertise spans economic impact assessments, monitoring studies, and the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. With experience ranging from project management to multiple analyst roles in industry, she brings a practical, data‑driven approach to complex economic questions. Her background in innovation management and organisational dynamics further strengthens her ability to interpret economic developments within broader strategic and societal contexts.

Main Research Areas

Dominique’s research focuses on the economic mechanisms that shape port regions and maritime systems. She examines how port activities interact with broader economic structures, how logistical and organisational dynamics influence regional competitiveness, and how technological developments reshape the functioning of port ecosystems. Her work explores how ports operate as economic engines, how shifts in technology and governance affect their performance, and how data‑driven insights can support long‑term strategic decision‑making. Through her research, she aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how ports can remain competitive, resilient, and future‑proof.

• Economic mechanisms shaping port regions and maritime systems
• Interaction between port activities and broader economic structures
• Logistical, organisational, and governance dynamics influencing port performance
• Technological and digital developments affecting port ecosystems
• Data‑driven approaches to strategic and long‑term decision‑making
• Competitiveness, resilience, and future‑proofing of port systems