Prof. Ann Verhetsel is full professor Economic Geography at the University of Antwerpen, she is head of the Department of transport and Regional Economics. She fulfils her appointment (research, education and services) in areas at the interface of Geography, Economics and Physical Planning. Ongoing research assignments under her leadership include projects and PhD's in the fields of mobility, on smart specialization and new regional economic policy, networks within the logistics industry, the geographical dimension of venture capital, and the location of retail.