ABSTRACT
This chapter attempts to contribute to the recurring debate on the determinants of regional development and the particular role of transport systems. In a context of decreasing transport costs, quasiubiquity of quality infrastructure and the increasing importance of non material flows, transport infrastructure appears to be less important as a location factor for industry. However, the globalization of markets and the restructuring of production systems (just-in-time, lean production etc.) lead to an increased role of transportation in industrial strategies. The traditional framework dealing with transportation mainly as a cost thus becomes less relevant for understanding the spatial dynamics of industry.
