In city competition for manufacturers and industrial investment, the functionality and efficiency of industrial areas are crucial. Geographical proximity, community, and social relationships are also key factors. The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” alters site selection, emphasizing proximity to suppliers, markets, and residential areas. Flexible land use regulations and building codes are increasingly important. Policymakers respond through economic strategies promoting cross-sector collaborations, but urban planning lacks new models for industrial development and city resilience. To ensure Ashdod’s competitiveness and foster innovation, Yehuda Frankel and Dr. Smadar Itzkovich initiated this project, recognizing opportunities like the new port, Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, and industrial development. They collaborated with the Academy to develop a forward-looking vision for Ashdod’s industrial areas. The project has two phases: Phase I, a study by students from Tel Aviv University and MIT analyzing manufacturing’s spatial effects and policies; and Phase II, a strategic plan to understand Ashdod’s industrial features, develop planning strategies, and incorporate global ideas in industrial development.