Challenges for Corridors: Future Perspectives on European Corridor Development

Abstract

In many European policy documents, the integration of transport, spatial and economic dimensions in corridor development is advocated as a means to cope with challenges that occur within corridors. For many years, however, knowledge about corridors was only developed from a sector perspective and with a more or less technocratic approach—despite a growing call for a more integrated analysis of corridor issues. To address these challenges efficiently, the integration argument needs specific knowledge on the different problem areas. Therefore, the question remains as to what extent an integrated analysis would be beneficial in resolving persistent corridor issues, such as the existence of bottlenecks. This contribution aims to highlight the outcome of two related research projects in which the possible added value of an integrated perspective on corridor development is addressed. The evidence presented reflects the current state-of-the-art knowledge regarding integrated corridor development and the possible future challenges for European corridors that may result from this. Whether the added value of the integration argument in corridor development can be found in practice will be researched as well as whether this leads to restating the importance of corridors for present-day European policy objectives.

Note: This chapter is an adaptation of research carried out in the context of a doctoral thesis (Witte 2014, pp. 19–37 and 127–144) and related research papers. This chapter will summarise the main argument and present the most important findings of the entire research. Overlap between this chapter and the thesis is intentional.