The Corridor Chronicles. Integrated perspectives on European transport corridor development

Abstract

This dissertation aims to clarify the added value of an integrated perspective on corridor development in Europe. For many years, knowledge on corridors has been developed in a sectoral, technocratic manner, despite a growing call for an integrated analysis of corridor issues. The integration argument is however lacking specific knowledge on different problem areas. The question therefore remains to what extent an integrated analysis would be beneficial to resolve persistent corridor issues such as the existence of bottlenecks. This dissertation is sensitive to the multi-dimensional nature of corridors and explores the extent to which the various problem areas of corridors (i.e. transport, spatial, institutional, economic) contribute to an integrated analysis of corridor issues at different spatial scales (i.e. local, regional, [trans-]national). It will be examined whether the added value of the integration argument is provable and whether this leads to a restating of the importance of corridors for present-day European policy objectives. It shall be shown that integrated corridor development is oftentimes inconsistent within itself, which affects the problem-solving capacity of the corridor concept. Furthermore, the findings are not conclusive in supporting either side of the integration argument. However, the outcomes contribute to nuance the debate regarding corridors and integration. It is shown that, although the empirical evidence in some cases is contradicting the integration argument in corridor development, corridors can still be seen as useful linkages between regions sharing a commonality in their respective issues. Although integration in some cases is beneficial, and although corridors in some cases provide common ground for interregional to transnational problem-solving, it is argued that for truly efficient corridor policy to succeed, more attention should be paid to place-based development strategies and the importance of institutions.