Evaluation of the potential of infrastructure funds

The case of inland waterways in Germany

Bibliographic Data

ID21404480
AuthorsRebecca Wehrle (0000-0002-8715-9983, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, corresponding author), Marcus Wiens (0000-0003-4158-3508, TU Bergakademie Freiberg), Frank Schultmann (0000-0001-6405-9763, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
Year2024
Volume208
Pages123711
Publication date2024-11-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTechnological Forecasting and Social Change (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0040-1625 • E-ISSN: 1873-5509
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123711
OpenAlexW4402115930
LanguageEN
References cited61

Given the critical need for sustainable transportation solutions, inland waterways (IWs) constitute a crucial yet underfunded mode of transport. This study examines deficiencies in current infrastructure funding and analyzes infrastructure funds (IFs) as an alternative funding mechanism and potential means to revitalize German waterways. Central to this investigation is the analysis of the German population's willingness to pay (WTP) for such funds. To this end, a comprehensive online survey of German households was conducted, and multivariate regression analysis was employed to identify key factors influencing public support for various fund designs. The results reveal that personal experiences with flooding significantly affect WTP and underscore the role of socio-economic variables in shaping public attitudes toward infrastructure funding. The findings indicate that well-designed IFs, combined with effective communication strategies to raise awareness of the importance of waterways, could significantly enhance public support. The study demonstrates that IFs have significant potential as a strategic tool for mobilizing public funding, thereby supporting the sustainable development and maintenance of essential yet underfunded infrastructure. IFs present a promising solution to the financial challenges facing critical public goods such as waterways. • Analysis of impact of deficits in infrastructure funding and mechanisms • Examination of the potential of infrastructure funds • Provision of a survey to analyze the willingness to pay (WTP) for different funds • Application of multiple regression to evaluate influencing factors of WTP • Alongside consideration of private coverage in case of infrastructure failure

Business · Economics · Environmental planning · Natural resource economics · Transport engineering · Transport infrastructure · Water infrastructure · Water supply · Engineering · Environmental Engineering · Environmental Science · Finance · Infrastructure Resilience and Vulnerability Analysis · Public Procurement and Policy · Public-Private Partnership Projects

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