Problems of linking single-region and multiregional economic models

Abstract

Norway has, like many other countries, experienced a growth in the development of single-region and multiregional economic models during the last ten years. The models are mainly used for planning purposes and forecasting by national and regional governmental agencies. The majority of the models are applying input-output techniques. This paper discusses general problems of linking such models. Particular attention is paid to coordination problems in using the models. The paper also contains some proposals aiming at improving the treatment of this type of linkages in the Norwegian models. The proposals concern both the structure of the models and the use of the models within the existing planning framework.