SUB-TOPIC 2: ECONOMIC TRENDS AND TRANSPORT SPECIALISATION (CONTRIBUTION FROM SWEDEN)

The author discusses the important role that transport played in the industrial revolution, the spread of industrialisation and the growth of service industries. The similarities between developments in transport and in industrial technologies are considered. The common use of specialisation and large-scale operations are identified in particular together with integration with industrial activities. The geographical specialisation of transport activities is discussed and moves towards integration outlined. The effects on transport provision of the new market economies of Eastern Europe, widespread deregulation and rapid developments in information technology are considered. The author foresees transport companies becoming more closely associated with the producers of goods and services. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 856322.