A dynamic view of the socioeconomic significance of ports

摘要

This paper presents a methodology for the provision of a dynamic view on the economic role of ports by means of input–output analysis. The focus is on assessing the role of ports as a source of market expansion for firms located in the hinterland, particularly for export-oriented firms. Structural change in the economy is accounted for by incorporating a bi-proportional matrix adjustment technique in the general input–output framework. By assessing yearly impact changes encompassing a number of years, the outcome of the proposed methodology can serve as a decision support tool for transport policy decision makers, namely by incorporating results in predictive models making use of econometric techniques. Additionally, it allows ex-ante evaluations of port-related investments. By relying on data regularly collected by regional or national statistical offices, the proposed methodology provides a generally applicable and transparent framework for assessing the economic role of ports in their respective hinterland, while also allowing for comparisons between ports and across time. An application of the proposed methodology is illustrated by evaluating the economic significance of exports moving through the Portuguese port system.