Detecting diffusion properties of sectors in the Mexican economy, 2012

Abstract

There are several different methods to identify key sectors of an economy using input-output data. From direct and total linkages to network centrality measures, one may choose one or the other according to the research question at hand. In this paper we identify the strategic sectors according to their role in diffusing the effects of shocks. We use input-output data to compute global centralities and propose a diffusion measure. Results for the Mexican economy show that there are a few sectors that generate a high aggregate effect and that diffuse this effect to a wider part of the economy. These sectors are highly central and are connected to central sectors that help diffuse the effect. The diffusion measure we propose, together with the aggregate effect, and centralities of sectors, allows us to identify those strategic sectors. This is useful for designing an economic policy that aims at maximizing the reach of a stimulus.