Infrastructure Investment in Europe and International Competitiveness

The Economics Department of the European Investment Bank provides economic analysis and studies to support EIB operations and to help define its positioning, strategy and policy. The Economics Department is a team of 25 economists and staff, under the responsibility of the Director Debora Revoltella.

EIB Working papers allow guest authors to explore particular topics in depth, often relating to the annual EIB Economics Conference publication.

Infrastructure investment in Europe has been adversely affected by the economic crisis, undermining both the immediate recovery and longer-term growth potential. This paper discusses recent trends before focusing on how transport infrastructure – arguably the hardest hit sector during the crisis – contributes to regional growth. It shows that firms in regions with a more developed transport network are better placed to benefit from positive growth opportunities than firms in other regions. This advantage is most pronounced in times of economic stress, making a good transport infrastructure a key ingredient for economic recovery. This indicates one channel through which the activities of the EIB can foster growth and enhance competitiveness in Europe.

Authors: Debora Revoltella, EIB / Philipp-Bastian Brutscher, EIB / Alexandra Tsiotras, EIB Consultant / C. Weiss, EIB

EIB: Publications: Economic Research: Working Papers http://www.eib.org/infocentre/publications/all/economic-research/working-papers.htm

EIB: Publications: Economic Research http://www.eib.org/infocentre/publications/all/economic-research/index.htm

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