Policy needs (to be) covered by static environmentally extended input–output analyses

Abstract

There exists little evidence in the literature of the extent to which static environmentally extended multiregion input–output (EE-MRIO) studies actually contribute to political decision-making and policy formulation. This paper provides an overview of the reported applications of EE-MRIO analysis in an environmental context, either initiated by questions from policy makers or demonstrated by researchers. The applications are structured according to their scope and scale, the coverage of the DPSIR environmental policy framework (driving forces/pressures/state/impact/response), and the type of application (problem analysis/agenda setting, ex ante and ex post/monitoring). Results from interviews with policy makers (Belgium) show both their interest in IO-modelling and specific needs they have to make it more useful in their own context. The more experimental EE-IO models serve well for the early policy phase of problem analysis and agenda setting. Also, their use can prove the importance of strengthening international collaboration to develop internationally recognized EE-IO models.

Keywords:

• Environmentally extended input–output analysis
• environmental policy applications
• policy cycle

Acknowledgements

The paper followed from a study ‘Onderzoek naar beleidstoepassingen van milieu input–output modellen’ [in Dutch] (2015) commissioned by Flanders Environment Agency (VMM-MIRA; https://en.vmm.be/).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.