Regional economic impact of two growth centres in Newfoundland: an application of industrial complex analysis.

Wells, David Gordon. (1969) Regional economic impact of two growth centres in Newfoundland: an application of industrial complex analysis. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (5MB)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the short and long-term effects of the establishment of a number of new industries in two “growth areas”. These to “growth areas” are Stephenville and Come-by-Chance. -- In this study the techniques of input-output analysis are used. This method allows us to trace the probable impact of any new industry upon the entire economy through the interindustry transactions of the input-output table. Input-output analysis is more suitable than any other method for this type of study, since the analysis is detailed enough to show effects at the level of the individual industry. In this way, the dangers of more aggregate methods to overstate the degree of substitution possible between inputs and outputs of different industries is avoided. Also it is possible to analyze developments within each sector of the economy rather than having to consider only the effect upon the whole economy. -- In Chapter I the methodology of the study is explained. A short survey of the development of input-output techniques for the type of problem examined in this paper is given. These techniques are criticized and modified to suit the purpose of this paper. -- In Chapter II we identify the new manufacturing establishments entering the two “growth areas” during the period 1968-1972. The inputs and outputs of each of these establishments is identified and they are quantified in both physical and value terms. Physical quantification is necessary because in most cases the only source of information is engineering data. Conversion to value terms is necessary because the input-output tables are constructed in value terms. These inputs and outputs are related through an activity matrix in which production activities as well as import and export activities are shown. The intersectoral and interregional origins of inputs and the destination of outputs are established. -- In Chapter III we compute (through the input-output table) the direct, indirect and induced (through household income) expansions in output, employment and income generated by each of the new establishments in the two regions. -- Effects upon imports are examined in Chapter IV. -- Changes in the long-run structure of the economy are examined in Chapter V. -- In Chapter VI it is shown that although there has been a superficial measure of success in diversifying the structure of the Newfoundland economy, the province has not been provided with a basis for continued economic growth or development.

Actions (login required)

View Item