Institutions and the social construction of “missing links” in infrastructure planning

Abstract

In infrastructure planning, the “missing link” metaphor can be deployed to demonstrate the necessity for development. Yet a vexed question is how missing links are socially constructed upon particular norms, values and ideas. In this article institutional theory is used to help investigate the social construction of missing links into policy discourses on infrastructure development, by adopting a relational view towards planning. Through qualitative data appraisal the case of the A4 Delft–Schiedam (A4DS) in the Netherlands is studied to tease out how missing link metaphors, and attendant claims of legitimacy, are embedded into policy discourse. The A4DS proponents are shown to have originally focused on enhanced mobility and economic growth as a result of infrastructure development, but that a new legitimacy was constructed upon the notion of spatial quality. From the case it is concluded that development proponents purposefully utilize norms, values and ideas associated with infrastructure development to the missing link metaphor. The article ends by reflecting on future research challenges and developments in the institutionalist approach to planning.