The impact of globalization on transport investment

Abstract

Research background: The economic impact of investing in new transport capacity or improving existing ones is complex and often indirect. Loans for infrastructure are often needed, but they cannot create sufficient conditions for economic growth. Investments in transport infrastructure require public funding. An assessment of their cost-effectiveness is needed to ensure a reasonable and acceptable allocation. Relevant economic, environmental and social effects must be taken into account. There is a growing concern in the transport sector about decisions on the development of the transport system and the effects of scale and externalities they produce. Planners and decision-makers need to know more about the wider economic impact of individual infrastructure projects and transport policies in general.

Purpose of the article: This paper aims to present the most important theoretical and practical aspects of the importance of transport investment worldwide, at European level and Romania. Investments in transport infrastructure will not improve the economic vitality of a region unless it has sufficient economic capacity and employment, land use and economic development policies.

Methods: This article starts from the hypothesis of the influence of globalization on the development of transport systems in general and applies as a case study on Romania. The paper was based on the analysis of transport legislation, as well as data sets for the period 2011-2019, to observe the gradual development of all types of transport.

Findings & Value added: Following these researches, the link between globalization and investments in transport systems was found by emphasizing accessibility to new infrastructures, new horizons and development plans for the main types of transport, which is a key element in economic activity. The main results were disseminated throughout the article and it adds value through the analysis created at global and regional level (at European level) and the interpretation of statistical data related to transport investments.