For centuries, two mental worlds are at odds with each other: the world of those who postulate their vision on the future and the world ofthose who emphasize the question 'at what cost ? This tension was enhanced by the development of social cost-benefit analyses (SCBA). This essay focuses on large infrastructural projects and is bases on research on the discrepancy between 'visionaries' and 'number crunchers'. It also explores possibilities to connect both mental worlds to one another. Both vision and SCBAs appear necessary in order to improve the policy decision-making process. Visions on the future development of the Netherlands are needed to generate ideas on possible projects. SCBA is a tool to improve a projects' efficiency and effectiveness. A profound assessment of costs and benefits of projects should be done at a much earlier stage in order to distinguish possibly successful ideas from mere fantasies. Of course, politicians have and keep the final say. (Author/publisher)
Abstract