A typology and assessment of multi-sector regional economic impact models

This paper provides a summary and critical review of the types of multi-sector models with inter-sectoral linkages commonly used to predict the total impact of an event (plant opening, closing or policy change) on the regional economy. The following model types are included: economic base; input-output; social accounting matrix; integrated econometric/input-output; and computable general equilibrium models. Appropriate uses of the various modelling approaches are presented along with some general operating principles and ethical considerations. The paper concludes with directions for future research.