The contribution of transport infrastructure to economic activity: The case of Belgium

摘要: Abstract The role of the expansion transport infrastructure in stimulating economic growth developed countries is not straightforward. This can lead to debates concerning public investments especially when funds are scarce and demand for high social sectors such as education, health care. However, it hard generalise potential impact differ over regions will be affected by presence or absence other drivers growth. As a case situation Belgium considered. It small, open economy which highly integrated into world facing considerable passenger, but freight transport. Its geographical position proximity important ports airports combination with dense road rail network makes one gateways Europe. logistics sector generates employment added value. population, concentration administration Brussels large amount transit flows result pressure on existing transportation becomes more congested. traffic generate negative external effects people, planet profit. Opponents further ports, airports, roads often focus people they call question positive profit Based aggregate modelling causality test, some error-correction models estimated using annual data Belgium. They reveal that GDP per capita only positively impacted traditional indicators openness Belgian economy, rate investment whole, technological change, also length motorways, port infrastructure. consequence evaluation new projects should take account this contribution