MASTER THESIS Public Administration, Policy and Governance Faculty of behavioural, management and social sciences (BMS) University of Twente Topic: The influence of actor beliefs on unobvious policy decisions for the development of new roads in demographic decline regions Status: Definitive Date: 25-08-17 Author Name: Inge Rohaan Study programme: Master Public Administration Specialization: Policy and governance University: University of Twente, Enschede Student number: s1497642 E-mail:
[email protected] University of Twente Drienerlolaan 5 Postbus 217 7500 AE ENSCHEDE Examination committee Dr. F.H.J.M. Coenen Dr. P. Stegmaier E-mail:
[email protected] E-mail:
[email protected] Source image front page: photo of the construction of the N18 Varsseveld-Enschede made by J. de Wit (JdW Studio’s, 02-08-2017) PREFACE For the master’s programme in Public Administration at the University of Twente, conducting a research is the final part of this master. With my interest in spatial developments and my background of Urban and Regional Planning (University of Applied Sciences), for this master thesis I have chosen a research topic that addresses this. The topic of this research is: the explanation of unobvious policy decisions for the development of new roads in Dutch demographic decline regions. A topic that will appeal to many people when it comes to public decision-making processes for major spatial developments, as well as current developments of demographic decline, from professional or personal experience. In consultation with my first supervisor Frans Coenen, I have prepared and conducted the research. First, I would like to thank him for his critical feedback, support and patience.