TED hosts MegaRegions Workshop

Different methods were discussed including global trade models for national effects and corridor evaluations for subnational impacts.

Central themes

A key point in all presentations was the spatial dimension of impacts or the value of “connectedness”. The spatial dimension is simultaneously a value enhancer or detractor based on corridor contextual locations leading to an impact that is necessarily uneven at subnational or national levels. Different methods were discussed including global trade models for national effects and corridor evaluations for subnational impacts.

Access takes a central role in the spatial distribution and this is apparent in most of the presentations (Shomik- across the BRI region multi country; Glen-Appalachian Development Highway System (multi-state); Alam- multiple corridor evaluations, Stephen: potentials-multi- country). The presentations also present different approaches for formalizing strategic connectivity at a higher level including both centrality (Garmendia) and access-based measures (Perkins) compared to other presentations which were corridor focused. The presentations emphasize the need to improve the spatial evaluation an assessment of corridors since corridors can create multiple externalities (positive or negative). This is critical and comes across in Binyam’s presentation which revolves around modal choices – a key dimension of value creation (or impact) as well as all other presentations.

Two presentations highlight the role of labor markets and/or labor mobility in addressing spatial disparities- some of these aspects potentially could surface at the level of the megaregion which can be defined by a commute shed.

All presentations highlight the role of policy and institutional aspects required for coordination and support of transport infrastructure and in some instances, it was specifically pointed out that transport cannot act alone. While all authors approach the interaction different, a complex interplay of many different factors can affect the valuation- this is clear in most of the presentations. An improved evaluation of corridors from a spatial perspective in clearly warranted based on geography of connectivity. Shomiks’ presentation for instance emphasized access to markets and comparative advantage in combination with technological aspects; Binyam’s presentation emphasized mode choice, nature of cargo and trade flows, while Alam’s presentation emphasized the four-fold evaluation (welfare, equity, environment, social inclusion). A strategic higher analysis based on simpler set of factors is likely to draw one set of conclusions which may have a very different result when considered from a corridor perspective due precisely to the complex interplay of variables. The megaregion in this context is simply a construct for understanding labor stickiness and extent to which transport coming to labor can be of value.

While illustrating the lessons for megaregion planning international planning the presenters begin to create the architecture for the international megaregion models.

All presenters were consistent regarding the scale, methods and metrics. It is reminiscent of “Sketch Planning “. We should explore the global trade models as one methodological avenue to be explored. We also need to develop the theoretical underpinnings of the megaregion as it fits into this large-scale multi-country initiatives.

We need governance structure to facilitate cross-border connectivity and facilitate revenue strategies etc.

Access the MegaRegions Presentations

For access to any of the six presentations that were given during the "Transportation for a Smart, Sustainable, and Equitable Future: Lessons for Megaregion Planning from International Cases In Transport Connectivity And Economic Development” workshop click on the links for the presentation below.

• Muneeza Alam. The WEB of Transport Corridors in South Asia. World Bank. (Link)

• Glen Weisbrod. Economic Analysis of the Appalachian Development Highway System: a US Perspective on Transportation and Regional Integration. EDR Group. (Link)

• Somik V. Lall. Can the Belt and Road Initiative Reshape Economic Geography? World Bank. (Link)

• Cecilia Briceno-Garmendia, Mathilde Lebrand. Cost, Time and Networks: Transport connectivity in Europe and Central Asia. World Bank. (Link)

• Jari Kauppila, Olga Petrik, Nicolas Wagner, Stephen Perkins. Enhancing Freight Connectivity in Central Asia: An Assessment of Infrastructure Programs and Transport Policies - First Findings. OECD. (Link)

• Binyam Reja. Belt and Road Land- Based Freight Market. World Bank. (Link)

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