ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes ongoing research on globalization theme in the growing debate over regional development issues. Of particular concern are the nature and rates of socio-economic development in disparate regions, both within a country and across international political boundaries, and the role of relative regional accessibility in shaping transport investment decisions. The chapter develops a framework of analysis for examining the relationships between the main components or “pillars” of regional development. It examines Mexico as a case study, economic potential analysis is used to illustrate the importance of transportation in the regional development process. The chapter deals with a critique of existing transport-based regional development strategies in Mexico. The interplay between national uniqueness, regional processes, and global interdependence in Mexico can be synthesized in a basic schematic of regional growth and change. A thematic-spatial approach treats the core components of regional growth and change as an interactive, integrative whole.
