Through an integrative framework developed by the authors and drawn from international political economy and corporate strategy literature, this book examines the interface between public policy and corporate strategy in network development within the context of the European Union's trans-European network (TENs) initiative.

Trans-European networks (TENs) are a key theme in the process of integration for the EU as it enters the next millennium. The attainment of these networks stretches across many different areas of European policy and economy. The development of TENs is about establishing a series of infrastructure networks that complement the broad changes in the European economy facilitated by the development of the Single European Market. The book examines the development of TENs in the three key sectors: transport, energy and telecommunications, noting key themes and issues that need to be faced in their attainment. Attention is also paid to common problems in their realisation most notably the financing problems. The EU's strategy to develop these networks is essentially market-led yet, as the financing issues indicate, a consensus between the states in allowing commercial investment in infrastructure is proving elusive.

Examining the nature of telecommunication networks and the rationale for the developement of trans-European networks, the study explores the features networks need to exhibit if they are to complement the broad themes of Europe's industrial policy, and demonstrates the economic importance of advanced telecommunications to business. The final chapters of the volume offer an analysis of the technology associated with the three chosen priorities of the EU in the development of advanced telecommunication infrastructure: * the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) * the development of telematic networks * the development of broadband networks.

The twenty-first century will be the age of global interaction and organized patterns of networks. This important book addresses the strategic dimensions of networks, especially in transportation and information communication technology in Europe. The authors examine the challenges brought about by European unification and accession, through which a coherent and efficient European network system will need to be implemented. The topics addressed include the emergence of new network structures and strategies, the implications of European integration policies for network operations and developments, and the assessment of network synergy effects.

"Four years after the European Commission adopted its Transport White Paper, CEPS formed a Task Force of experienced practitioners to review European transport policy. The members of this Task Force are now publishing their findings and conclude that numerous challenges remain in the European transport arena. The release of this report is timed to coincide with the forthcoming mid-term review by the Commission of EU progress towards a single market for transport. Until recently, EU transport policy has been firmly wedded to the twin ideas of "decoupling' transport from economic growth and encouraging a 'modal shift' from road to rail, especially for freight transport. With economic growth in the doldrums and an urgent need to reinvigorate the Lisbon strategy, however, many now believe that transport policy should play a central role in the process of enhancing European competitiveness. While progress has been made towards a coherent, EU-wide road transport policy, less has been achieved for rail, air and sea in recent years. The CEPS transport group sees future transport demand set to grow more strongly than anticipated due to internal market reforms and globalisation. If this growth materialises, rather than favouring rail, all transport modes and technological options must be allowed to play their appropriate part in meeting Europe's escalating transport needs. The good news is that this time there are hopeful signs that these ideas are gaining ground in both the Commission and the Parliament" -- back cover.

Europe is undergoing fundamental change as barriers and borders are broken down, as new technologies are introduced, and as the European Union expands. This study provides an overview of the present state of affairs. It has been written for a non-technical market and covers spatial, economic, telecommunications and political issues. The theoretical material is illustrated with individual case studies from a variety of European countries.

This title was first published in 2003. The European Union is constantly struggling to find effective ways to plan major transport infrastructure developments at a European level. This is a critical factor in the emerging debates surrounding the absorption of the accession states into the EU, but it is essential for these states that their economic competitiveness is supported by appropriate and effective transport infrastructure. It is therefore crucial to find innovative approaches to the infrastructure itself, how it is financed and the ways in which proper evaluation procedures are implemented to select which policies, programmes and projects should be supported. This informative volume brings together leading international specialists in economic evaluation applied within the transport sector. Their contributions encompass all the main levels at which transport planning is typically conceptualized - strategic/regional policy, programme and project planning. It therefore examines how coherent economic evaluation practice can be developed and applied not only across different physical scales, but also across national borders.

The development of a European Port Policy is widely recognised as a critical component of the Common EU Transport Policy, and has been the focus of attention since the early 1990s. A coherent common EU wide port policy has not yet been achieved, but the authors of this book argue that it has a major role to play in European integration and that its significance in this context is set to increase. European Union Port Policy assesses the progress that has been made towards a comprehensive policy framework, reviewing the impact of both historical and contemporary policy initiatives - such as the recent 'port package' - before forecasting expected developments in policy making and the prospects of successfully achieving a single port policy. This book offers a unique review of port policy in the EU and will appeal to all those in academic and policy circles with an interest in both transport and European integration.