Approaches to identifying key sectors empirically by means of input‐output analysis

On the basis of input‐output tables from developing countries sectors are distinguished according to the degree of their interdependencies. Using 20 standard sectors for all 22 tables analysed, the paper takes the intensity of interindustrial linkages as an indicator of a sector's ability to spread growth impulses to its economic environment. Backward and forward linkages are calculated; in addition, spread effects are computed via the inverse matrix. Then the sectors are classified according to their total (direct and indirect) primary input requirements per unit of final demand. The analysis is supplemented by the determination of the sectoral employment impact, i.e. applying figures for the persons engaged sectorwise. Particularly under the linkage aspect, the obtained rankings are checked for similarity. Although some rankings are highly correlated, none of the criteria under consideration proves superior to all others.