Stability of Trade Patterns in Regional Input-Output Tables

Abstract

Applications of input-output tables generally involve an assumption of the stability over time of trade patterns, although evidence supporting this is thin, especially at the regional level. Data from Strathclyde at the level of the individual establishment over the 2-year period 1974-76 indicates a high level of stability, especially when aggregated at the industry level. It also gives some support to the hypothesis that instability is concentrated in products with a high value-to-weight ratio.