Abstract
This paper presents a review of the approach followed by local and regional partners in improving the economical structure of the Noordzeekanaal-area. Unique in the approach is the voluntary participation of many parties in the set up of a Masterplan which contains a joint view on the (economic) development of the area. As a follow up an executive program is specified based on nine major separate studies. The Netherlands Economic Institute (NEI) has participated in one of these studies concerning the economic analyses of the area and the impact of the economic growth on the demand for accessibility of the area by the sea. The approach of the study is discussed as well as the preliminary results. (A)