ABSTRACT
Powerful economic processes of internationalisation and globalisation have occurred over the last fifteen years. Particularly in Europe, national boundaries are no longer barriers to economic activity and commerce, thanks to the institutional integration of European states into the EU and to advances in transport and communication networks. This means that European regions compete in a global, or at least continental, market. In this context, the concept of accessibility is increasingly important as a determinant of local economic competitiveness. Accessibility indicates the extent to which it is possible to overcome spatial distance at low cost and gather strategic information before competitors. In a worldwide economy, accessibility reinforces its role as a strategic factor in regional competitiveness. In operational terms, accessibility is generated through the existence of physical transport networks, which reduce distance in space. However, with the rapid development of new technologies and the birth of a new form of production organisation, a new type of accessibility must be considered. This is not physical, but ‘virtual’ accessibility deriving from information and communication technologies (ICTs). In this chapter, we focus on this new concept of accessibility, and we will assess its impact on regional growth and competitiveness.
