The REMI and IMPLAN models are widely used approaches to estimating economic impacts for small regions. However, few benchmarks exist for assessing these estimates. This paper evaluates the relative performance of these models in terms of a given impact: the opening of an automobile assembly plant in central Illinois. Although our results are not conclusive and are limited by our application, we find that in terms of several indirect performance criteria, IMPLAN's outcomes, on balance, are somewhat more plausible than those for REMI.HE REMI MODEL, DEVELOPED BY Regional Economic Models, Inc., has T become increasingly popular among regional planners as a tool for analyzing subnational and substate economies. IMPLAN (Impact Planning), an alternative model developed by the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is likely to be used for similar purposes in coming years. Unfortunately, many planners only vaguely understand how these models work, and have no basis for evaluating their outcomes. The regional science literature is beginning to assess these newer models. Brucker et al. (1987) review several "ready-made" input-output models, all of which are in some respect accessible to the public. Their work focuses on fundamental characteristics and methodology for five such models.They do not address, however, the crucial question of relative model performance.Many economic impact models are available, besides REMI and IMPLAN, to study regional economies. For example, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has used RIMS I1 (Regional Input-Output Multiplier System), and the Army Corps of Engineers has used AIMS (Automated Input-Output Multiplier System) to analyze regional economic impacts. These are multisector models which generate county-level sector-specific multipliers resembling those derived from standard John B .
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