Analysis of socio-economic effects of public investments as a basis for targeted economic development

 

Public infrastructure projects usually reach considerable financial dimensions. Cost-benefit assessments are the central instrument for weighing up whether a project makes economic sense or which projects deserve priority. In addition to direct investment, operating and maintenance costs, expected internal and external costs also play an important role. 

 

Our economic analyses primarily relate to the transport and logistics sector: How can changes in the framework conditions, in particular market changes, be assessed? What influence do certain operator models have on investment costs and subsequent maintenance costs? How are environmental and social effects to be assessed? To what extent do macro-economic costs differ from business-related transport costs? 

 

PLANCO has developed standard procedures for the responsible public clients for the methodological questions to be clarified and has implemented them within the framework of tangible cost-benefit studies. 

 

In principle, our economic analyses can be applied to all major infrastructure investments. However, we have developed special expertise in the areas of sea and inland ports, inland and sea waterways, trunk roads and leisure shipping. PLANCO develops and updates economic transport cost rates (including external costs), which may differ significantly from business costs, as a basis for these evaluations. On this basis, PLANCO compiles cost comparisons for individual modes of transport.

 

Regional economic analysis

 

Infrastructure investments can trigger considerable regional economic effects. They generate additional employment not only during the construction period, but also in the later operation and thus benefit the regional economy and population. 

 

PLANCO has also developed suitable methods for the regional economic evaluation of investments and has implemented them for numerous investment projects. In the course of these evaluations, PLANCO also determines the effects of individual branches and sectors on regional employment, added value and tax efficiency. PLANCO is also in a position to derive corresponding requirements for vocational training. Our analyses of these effects, for example, refer to

 

• Sea and inland ports

• Tourism sector

• Industrial zones and logistics centres.

 

References from the field of Economic Analysis can be found under our Business Areas.