What are the different types of economic impact assessments?

Na minha experiência uma análise de insumo-produto é utilizada para demonstrar os efeitos econômicos das empresas através da Microeconomia. Os efeitos Macroeconômicos são a mensuração através da Contabilidade social de quantos empregos são gerados dado um determinado capital. Se analisa o capital necessário para gerar um emprego. É evidente que empresas de alta tecnologia que o capital necessário para gerar um emprego é maior. O setor da construção Cível ou o Setor Agricola por exemplo precisam de muito menos capital para gerar um emprego . Por isso os governos tendem a incentivar estes setores.

Input-output analysis is a foundational method in economic impact assessment that examines the interconnections between different sectors of an economy. It involves creating a matrix that represents the purchase and sale relationships among industries, allowing analysts to trace the direct, indirect, and induced effects of economic changes across sectors. This method highlights the multiplier effect, demonstrating how changes in one sector can ripple through the economy. However, it's worth noting that input-output analysis often assumes constant prices and returns to scale, which might not always reflect real-world dynamics.

For example, when studying the impact of an increase in investments in transportation infrastructure, input-output analysis can help predict how this would affect other sectors of the economy, such as construction, vehicle manufacturing, transportation services and so on. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the economic effects of a given policy or event.

Cost-benefit analysis is a versatile tool that compares the total costs of an action or policy against its benefits. This method is comprehensive, encompassing both tangible and intangible effects, and utilizes metrics such as net present value or benefit-cost ratio to determine whether the benefits of a project outweigh its costs. While CBA is instrumental in decision-making processes, especially in evaluating public projects and policies, it faces challenges in accurately valuing non-market impacts and addressing uncertainties and distributional effects.

A cost-benefit analysis is a systemic process that businesses use to analyze which decisions to make and which to forgo. A cost-benefit analyst sums the potential rewards expected from a situation or action and subtract the total costs associated with taking that action. It uses a common metrics such as net present value or benefit -cost ratio, to assess whether the benefits outweigh the costs. But it also faces some challenges, such as valuing these effects and dealing with uncertainty and distributional issues.

When considering the implementation of a new public transportation system in a city, a cost-benefit analysis would be carried out to determine whether the economic benefits, such as time savings for passengers and reduced congestion, outweigh the costs of building and operating the system. This analysis can help policymakers and investors make informed decisions about the project, considering its overall economic impacts.

Computable general equilibrium models offer a sophisticated approach to economic impact assessment by simulating how an economy's agents (households, firms, government, etc.) interact within markets to reach an equilibrium state. CGE models can account for feedback effects and the implications of policy changes on variables like prices, wages, and taxes. Though CGE models provide detailed insights, they require extensive data and assumptions, which can affect their accessibility and transparency.

Social return on investment measures the social, environmental, and economic value created by an initiative. By engaging stakeholders in identifying and quantifying outcomes and impacts, SROI assigns monetary values to these effects, offering a broader perspective on the value generated by a project or policy. This method emphasizes the importance of capturing long-term and wider societal benefits, although it involves subjective judgment and complexity in its application.

Regional economic models specialize in assessing the impact of economic changes within a specific geographic area. These models can employ various methods, including input-output analysis, CBA, or CGE, to estimate the effects on local output, income, employment, and population dynamics. By focusing on a particular region, these models provide insights into the localized economic effects of projects or policies, although their effectiveness is contingent upon the quality and granularity of regional data.