ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the industrial evolution of the Netherlands and its regions, and only passing references have been made to the role of the Dutch industrial economy in Europe. Since the industrial revolution there has been heavy investment in major waterways and port facilities, particularly those of Rotterdam, and although this has been primarily for the benefit of the Dutch economy, its influence on West German economic development has been profound. Despite the numerous changes, policies have evolved only gradually towards the stated goal of a coherent scheme for the inter-related economic development of all Dutch regions. The facet of industrialisation requiring particular attention concerns a fundamental change that has taken place in popular attitudes to industrial growth in the post-war years. On the issue of industry and the environment, Netherlands may have taken a lead which will eventually be followed by many other parts of industrial Europe.
