TRANSPORT AND TERRITORY IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The main areas of worldwide economic interests are becoming more and more interdependent due the process of globalization. Therefore where, how, and how much to produce, in regard to the consumer markets, also become important elements for the processes of planning the networks and regulations for services management. However, at global level, three large economic “Blocs” are being defined, that gradually drive the decisions of the various Countries towards making terrestrial infrastructural connections. For example, Eurasia, is a dynamic “Bloc”. At the same time the economic centre of gravity is getting lower, despite infrastructural efforts concentrated mainly in Central Europe, that are focused towards Eastern Europe. The Mediterranean and Central Africa are involved by strong financial investments from sovereign wealth funds, in particular for the realization of major infrastructures; at this stage, ports and airports and major rail and road axes are the top priorities, that international investors are interested in. Another key element is the connectivity of the networks in the logic of the major transport corridors to operate within the logic of the overall development. The reduction of the accessibility of territories and of the connectivity of networks in a global process is one of the handicaps suffered by businesses, regarding both demand and offer. The reduction of accessibility, in the past two decades, has been one of the causes of the Italian decline. There is nothing good in the reduction of traffic, and considering unnecessary the service transport policy and the infrastructures adequate and even redundant. This is the idea of sustainable decline. The first idealization of the concept of “smart city” dates back to the beginning of the new millennium and is coined by William Mitchell, an America scholar who also coined the term “e-topia” to indicate the ideal city, a place that is able to make life easier and more attractive. The ability to move easily within urban areas, quickly and with a low environmental impact, is considered a key factor for the quality of life in all modern metropolitan areas. Sustainability is uniquely considered the most innovative aspect, because the environmental impact and fears related to climate change and the progressive depletion of natural resources are considered a priority at all levels. In many manufacturing and commercial SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises), planning activities in manufacturing and logistics, warehouse management, inventory and transportation management are not adequately supported by advanced computer systems. Similarly, the transport and logistics companies show considerable resistance in investment for Information Technology, a prerequisite for the development of logistics outsourcing and advanced value-added services. “A scientific development needs two “R”, Rigour that can be given by mathematical methods, and Relevance, because problems must be real. Rigour without Relevance only leads to sterile models, however refined from some point of views, but useless to understand situations” ( Sylos Labini , 2002).