Accessibility and economic development in Europe

There is continuing debate on the role of transport infrastructure and chan ges in accessibility on regional economic development. The emphasis in rece nt European Union policy on the development of trans-European Networks (TEN s) provides a focus for a re-evaluation. Much of the debate assumes that im provements in accessibility will lead to economic development and, by impli cation, to greater cohesion. This paper identifies some of the major diffic ulties in defining a simple measure of accessibility for use in such studie s and proceeds to evaluate new measures of time-space and accessibility sur faces which allow for greater disaggregation at a spatial and sectoral leve l. An assessment of the implications for regional development in the EU is then made. The conclusions cast doubt on die ability of TENs to promote gre ater convergence in both accessibility and economic development.