ABSTRACT
The chapter starts with an introduction of the concept of strategic value before going on to distinguish and elaborate different ways in which a port can create strategic value, which are then interlinked in a conceptual framework. It illustrates examples of how Europe's largest port, the port of Rotterdam, creates more strategic value for its home country, The Netherlands. For a long time the economic importance of ports has dominated the policy debate about their significance for the countries in which these ports are located. This economic notion of value indicates what has been realised in a certain period because of a port's presence, such as amount of value added and the number of people working in the port. The chapter argues that port authorities of leading ports which are considered as being of national interest face a challenge to contribute to the creation of strategic value for country, besides strengthening the international competitive position of port.
