Input-Output Models for Impact Analysis: Suggestions for Practitioners Using RIMS II Multipliers

Input-output models, when applied correctly, can be powerful tools for estimating the economy-wide effects of an initial change in economic activity. To effectively use these models, analysts must collect detailed information about the project or program under study. Analysts also need to be aware of the assumptions and limitations of these models. In this paper, we will focus on these assumptions and on the information that is required to use regional input-output multipliers correctly. We focus specifically on multipliers generated by the Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II) developed by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.