SERIE RE5ERRCH mEftlORRnDB NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SPATIAL TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT

This paper gives an overview of recent transport developments taking place at the European scène. Particular attention is given to the impacts of technological dynamics as reflected in the new information technology (NIT). Against this background the paper gives an overview of results and findings from four major international conferences on the impact on NIT on spatial developments and transportation. There appears to grow a concensus that the impacts of NIT will not be dramatic and that the degree of substitutability of NIT vis-a-vis physical travel is limited. Peripheral areas seem to become also in the area of NIT latecomers. However, in terms of the increase of a region's competitive position NIT may be an important vehicle. The same holds true for logistic systems and traffic safety.