The contribution of transport infrastructure to regional development is one of the main arguments for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). In theory, better access to labour, raw materials and markets will make well-connected regions more competitive. However, it has been difficult to verify this effect empirically. There is uncertainty over the magnitude of any benefits, and even whether new infrastructure could make regional disparities worse by exposing peripheral regions to strong competitors located in the centre of Europe. Moreover, the significance of infrastructure is changing as a result of e.g. the shift to high-tech industries and services, the tendency to move freight over greater distances, and the development of telecommunications services.