Module 1: Introduction to IMPLAN

Michael Nealy

April 08, 2020 18:41

🎯 Module Learning Objectives

Explain how IMPLAN utilizes Input-Output (I-O) analysis and Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) to measure economic interdependencies and quantify backward (upstream) and forward (downstream) linkages in a regional economy.

Core Competency: Foundational Economic Modeling
Differentiate among common economic analysis types (e.g., construction/operations, visitor spending, downstream contributions) by identifying the four core components of regional economic analysis: Region, Event, Time, and Effects.

Core Competency: Study Design & Scenario Classification
Compare IMPLAN industries with the standard NAICS classification system to understand how industries are defined, aggregated, and bridged to reflect real-world economic data.

Core Competency: Industry Scheme & System Navigation
Deconstruct an industry’s Output into its Leontief Production Function (LPF) components, distinguishing between Intermediate Inputs and Value Added (Labor Income, TOPI, OPI).

Core Competency: Production Function Analysis
Analyze the role of non-industry Institutions (Households, Governments, Capital, Enterprise, Inventory) as final demanders and money flow drivers in a Social Accounting Matrix.

Core Competency: Institutional Demand & SAM Dynamics

Use these reference guides and support articles for deeper reading or post-workshop review.

Getting Started
Fundamental guide for navigating the IMPLAN platform and setting up your project.
Common Acronyms
A quick cheat sheet for IMPLAN, economic impact, and Input-Output modeling terminology.
Key Assumptions of IMPLAN & Input-Output Analysis
Essential background reading on foundational assumptions like constant returns to scale and fixed proportions.
Industry Production Functions in IMPLAN
Overview of how intermediate expenditures and value added compose industry spending patterns.
U.S. 528 Industries, Conversions, & Bridges
Reference guide for IMPLAN's 528-sector scheme and crosswalk mappings to NAICS codes.
2022 NAICS Manual
Official U.S. Census reference for North American Industry Classification System code definitions.
Understanding Output
Explanation of total economic output calculations across different sectors and business types.
Region Details
Guide to exploring study area parameters, regional baseline data, and local trade dynamics.
Margins
How purchaser prices convert to producer prices across retail, wholesale, and transportation splits.
Deflators
Understanding price index adjustments used to convert between nominal and real dollar figures.

Updated September 15, 2026