Infrastructure-driven development policies: An empirical impact analysis

One of the paradigms of the Infrastructure-driven development concept is the idea that public policies shall direct consistent resources towards infrastructures to stimulate growth in economically lagging regions. Nonetheless, despite the general macro implications for growth demonstrated by several studies, the impact of infrastructure on local growth need further evidence and specific methodology for micro-level analysis. This paper focuses on the financing and development of the so-called social, economic and territory infrastructures. Financing and incentives for infrastructure development require specific policies; among such policies there is the negotiated planning. Based on an empirical analysis, the paper evaluates their effectiveness. Projects are analyzed in terms of structures taxonomy and how they are intended to meet identified problems. Factors associated with success in terms of economic development are discussed. Results suggests that the scope and purpose of projects as well as the level of agreement between stakeholders drive positive outcomes.