Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter of the publication illuminates the need for advanced infrastructure evaluation methods in developed economies, identifying fitting examples from EU member states. First, taking an historical (ex post) perspective improves the degree of realism in ex ante evaluations. Second, productivity plays a pivotal role in infrastructure evaluation, enabling the policy maker to appreciate the influence of the existing infrastructure network on benefits of network extensions. The authors proceed by summarising on the written contributions to the volume. In the remainder of the book, evaluation methods are assessed to various policy levels, such as regional investment policy, harmonisation of infrastructure appraisal in the EU setting, harbour policy and cohesion issues.