Trans European Networks

Through an integrative framework developed by the authors and drawn from international political economy and corporate strategy literature, this book examines the interface between public policy and corporate strategy in network development within the context of the European Union's trans-European network (TENs) initiative.

Trans-European networks (TENs) are a key theme in the process of integration for the EU as it enters the next millennium. The attainment of these networks stretches across many different areas of European policy and economy. The development of TENs is about establishing a series of infrastructure networks that complement the broad changes in the European economy facilitated by the development of the Single European Market. The book examines the development of TENs in the three key sectors: transport, energy and telecommunications, noting key themes and issues that need to be faced in their attainment. Attention is also paid to common problems in their realisation most notably the financing problems. The EU's strategy to develop these networks is essentially market-led yet, as the financing issues indicate, a consensus between the states in allowing commercial investment in infrastructure is proving elusive.

Diploma Thesis from the year 2006 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: European Union, grade: 1,5, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, 100 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: The thesis at hand deals with the European programme Trans-European Networks (TEN) as support for infrastructure of a common interest for Europe in connection with Public Private Partnerships (PPPs or P3s). It will be shown that the former encourages the latter and the other way around and that this encouragement is inherent. This is also underlined by the area of applications for PPPs and TEN. Collaborations of public and private sector are not seen as a panacea, but it will be shown that there is much more to gain then to loose from this unconventional way of implementing infrastructure projects, which become more and more important. This is especially underlined through the need of investment in Europe's infrastructure and tight budgets of the European Union and their member states at the same time. Furthermore, the gain of additional expertise, faster realisation and cost savings through synergetic effects are normally by-products of a rather commercial orientation. However, it is also stressed that such a participation of the private sector shall be accompanied by sharing unprofitable parts of projects, even if different types of Public Private Partnerships are used within such a project. Casting a light on the Trans-European Networks programme as a pillar of European regional policy, this view is supported. Around the world, P3s are used widely in different forms. Three examples will be presented according to the three sectors of TEN. As it is the norm, these different models leave space for inventive solutions to tackle individuality of projects. Rigid PPP structures on European level therefore are not recommended in this work. However, to deal with a variety of problems and to make use of a range of advantages at the same time, a compulsor

Examining the nature of telecommunication networks and the rationale for the developement of trans-European networks, the study explores the features networks need to exhibit if they are to complement the broad themes of Europe's industrial policy, and demonstrates the economic importance of advanced telecommunications to business. The final chapters of the volume offer an analysis of the technology associated with the three chosen priorities of the EU in the development of advanced telecommunication infrastructure: * the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) * the development of telematic networks * the development of broadband networks.

Document includes opinions of the Economic and Social Committee on trans-European networks and islands, and relevant letters.

The essays in this outlook collectively foster a broad approach to and definition of public investment, that is today more relevant than ever. Offering up a case for the elimination of bias against investment in European fiscal rules, this outlook is a welcome contribution to the European debate, aimed both at policy makers and general readers.