The basic intension of this thesis is to analyse the potential of the Fehmarn Belt Region (FBR), which will gain in importance through the construction of the Fehmarn Belt Bridge (FBB) – as the last missing link between the two metropolitan regions of Copenhagen and Hamburg. The interest behind is the fact that the construction of the FBB is one of the few century structures with expected enormous wide-ranging effects. Many questions concerning the construction have arisen and this thesis has the intension of giving answers to some limited research questions. Now, almost 50 years later, this last missing link will be completed. Expectations as well as concerns on both sides of the Belt are enormous. We can infer from the treaty between Denmark and Germany, concerning the fixed link, it should improve the traffic infrastructure to stimulate freight- and passenger traffic on a regional and European level. Moreover, it has to accomplish better preconditions for an intensified cultural and economic cooperation and promote integration and dynamics in the region. It should forge new competitiveness and development in the relevant regions. In the meantime, the treaty was ratified on March 26, 2009 by the Folketinget and on July 10, 2009 by the Deutscher Bundestag. However, the bridge is not only of interest between the two national parliaments who are regarding this project as a transport policy key project that will cause positive economical effects for northern Europe and which can offer an alternative for migration out of the region. In early 1989, the two regional districts of Storstrøm and Ostholstein have handed in a resolution where they have formulated a demand to upgrade and strengthen the Vogelfluglinie to foster development in both districts. Additionally they have been considering the possibility of initiating cross-border cooperation together with the EU. Ultimately it has to be clarified to what extent this new infrastructure link will improve the accessibility of both metropolitan and the peripheral regions. Beside this, it will be of major importance to find out how far the reaches of the FBB will go. The link will then be the shortest and fastest connection between Scandinavia and the European continent and may have effects on the entire northern European transport corridors as well as on the European Urban System. It has to be ascertained if and in what way the FBB will influence it and to what extent it may change the system?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Intension and requirement
1.2. Definition of the Fehmarn Belt Region
1.3. Methodology
2. European Urban System
3. Regional Development
4. Cross-border cooperation
5. Knowledge Economy
5.1. Life Science
6. Tourism Economy
7. Conclusion
8. Outlook
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to examine whether the construction of the Fehmarn Belt Bridge (FBB) will generate regional development and increase the attractiveness of the Fehmarn Belt Region (FBR). The work explores how the bridge can serve as a catalyst for growth, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and strengthen the positioning of the region within the European urban system.
- Analysis of the FBB as an infrastructure project and driver for regional integration.
- Evaluation of the knowledge economy as a foundation for sustainable future development.
- Investigation of cross-border cooperation and governance in the context of the FBR.
- Assessment of the potential for the tourism economy to contribute to regional prosperity.
- Exploration of maritime industry potentials and future energy strategies within the belt region.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Intension and requirement
Building this bridge will be the last copestone of a long lasting historical development, which was already started in the early 1920s. In those days, both railway companies in Germany and Denmark wanted to establish a ferry line between Puttgarden and Rødby, which could also be served by trains. Realising this plan was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War but was resumed after its ending.
Finally, in 1963 the Fehmarnsundbridge, which linked the island of Fehmarn with Germany, was opened. At the same time, the ferry line between Germany and Denmark was incorporated. This newly created transport link was named Vogelfluglinie/ Fugleflugtslinje, after the flight path of birds.
Now, almost 50 years later, this last missing link will be completed. Expectations as well as concerns on both sides of the Belt are enormous. We can infer from the treaty between Denmark and Germany, concerning the fixed link, it should improve the traffic infrastructure to stimulate freight- and passenger traffic on a regional and European level. Moreover, it has to accomplish better preconditions for an intensified cultural and economic cooperation and promote integration and dynamics in the region. It should forge new competitiveness and development in the relevant regions (Treaty between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Danish Kingdom concerning the fixed Fehmarnbeltlink, 2008).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of the Fehmarn Belt Bridge project and establishes the scope and research methodology for analyzing regional potentials.
2. European Urban System: Examines how the bridge project influences the position of the region within the hierarchy of metropolitan Europe and the broader urban system.
3. Regional Development: Discusses theoretical foundations for regional growth and outlines strategies to transform the area into a competitive economic entity.
4. Cross-border cooperation: Analyzes the potential for improved integration between Germany and Denmark through standardized cooperation frameworks and Euroregion initiatives.
5. Knowledge Economy: Investigates knowledge-based clusters, specifically focusing on Life Sciences, medical research, and the potential for technological innovation.
6. Tourism Economy: Explores the shift toward tailor-made tourism experiences and industrial tourism as means to generate economic value in peripheral areas.
7. Conclusion: Synthesizes the main findings, emphasizing the need for a coordinated development policy to secure regional economic success.
8. Outlook: Proposes future directions, focusing on the importance of a common vision to unite residents and stakeholders around the Fehmarn Belt project.
Keywords
Fehmarn Belt Link, Regional Development, Knowledge Economy, Tourism Economy, Cross-border Cooperation, European Urban System, Infrastructure, Innovation, Life Science, Maritime Industry, Connectivity, Regional Integration, Sustainability, Economic Growth, Creative Class
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this master thesis?
The thesis focuses on analyzing the potential regional opportunities and developmental impacts stemming from the construction of the Fehmarn Belt Bridge connecting Denmark and Germany.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
The work covers infrastructure development, the knowledge economy, cross-border cooperation, tourism, and the maritime sector as key drivers for regional prosperity.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The research aims to identify how the construction of the FBB can foster regional development, strengthen the FBR's position in Europe, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Which scientific methodology does the author use?
The author uses a qualitative approach, leveraging existing secondary literature from companies and consultants, along with insights gained from expert contacts and comparative studies of similar projects like the Øresundbridge and the Channel Tunnel.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the European urban context, theories of regional development, cross-border cooperation frameworks, the importance of knowledge clusters, and strategies for modernizing the tourism industry.
Which keywords best describe the research?
Key terms include the Fehmarn Belt Link, regional development, knowledge economy, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation.
How is the Fehmarn Belt Region defined in the thesis?
The author differentiates between sub-regions (FBR I, II, and III) based on the expected geographic scale of direct and indirect impacts resulting from the bridge construction.
What role does the "knowledge economy" play for the FBR?
The author argues that human capital and knowledge-based innovation are essential for turning the region into a competitive area, suggesting that localized clusters in medical and maritime research are crucial.
How can tourism be used as an instrument for regional development?
The thesis suggests shifting from mass tourism to "tailor-made" experiences, including cultural and industrial tourism, to improve regional identity and attract high-value target groups.
- Quote paper
- Magister Artium Jacek Rokicki (Author), 2009, Regional Opportunities of the Fehmarn Belt Link, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/139932
