Compilation of the interregional input-output table for the year 2015: data sources and methodology [ Working Paper 07-21 - 09/07/2021]

The Federal Planning Bureau (FPB) has built the 2015 interregional input-output table for Belgium within the framework of an agreement with the statistical authorities of the three Regions (BISA/IBSA, VSA and IWEPS). This paper describes the methodology and data sources used to compile this table. Previously, the FPB had already built interregional input-output tables for the years 2003, 2007 and 2010. While the 2003 and 2007 tables were largely based on top-down methods, the construction of the 2010 table contained several bottom-up elements. This methodological improvement was pursued in the compilation of the 2015 tables by working on the following three aspects: a greater consistency of the interregional table with the national table, a more intensive use of individual firm-level data, and an enhanced automation of the compilation process. On the latter point, a central Python-LArray programme has been developed, with several satellite modules. Such a programmed solution is required when it comes to combining in a structured way the multiple sources of information, the various predefined constraints and the successive steps of the compilation process.

The regional supply, use and input-output tables (SUT/IOT) for 2015 presented here are in line with the October 2019 vintage of the national accounts and have been compiled according to the ESA 2010 rules. The compilation process has been designed to ensure maximum consistency with published and unpublished data from the national and regional accounts as well as the national SUT. In addition, the process has been based to a very large extent on the same data sources (individual firm-level data) and methods as the compilation process of the national tables.

The interregional IOT is the end product of a compilation process, which is structured in four steps: (i) the construction of the (unbalanced) regional SUT; (ii) the balancing of these regional SUT; (iii) the transition from these four regional SUT to one interregional SUT; (iv) the derivation of the interregional IOT from the interregional SUT. The resulting interregional IOT is of the industry-by-industry type. An industry-by-industry IOT describes the relationships between industries and between industries and the components of final demand.

The set of tables that have been compiled (the regional SUT, the interregional SUT and the interregional IOT) as well as an additional table with the regional employment by industry, can be obtained upon request from the FPB or the regional partners for research purposes. The Regional Accounts Department of the National Bank of Belgium has carried out a data confidentiality analysis based on the rules applicable within the National Accounts Institute. In line with that analysis, the tables can be made available for research purposes with a breakdown into 124 industries and product groups.