Topological Properties of China Input-Output Networks

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of developments and changes of China economy from the perspective of input-output networks between 1990 and 2013. Through choosing a network-based approach and combining this with input-output data we are able to analyze the changes and evolutions of centralities, which measured by strength centrality and clustering coefficient, and some extend measures based on centrality including import penetration, international outsourcing and distance to final demand. Our findings show that the basic impression about China input-output networks is that flows are concentrated on some minority points, and also concentrated on the diagonal line obviously, and the self-inputs by industries are normal and significant. Moreover, during recent years the trend of lower and wider peak of the density strength centrality curves illustrates the more balance of China economy than at the beginning of this century, and construction has always been the pillar industry. The changes of distribution of import penetration have been flatter and lower since 1990 and then narrower and higher about after 2001. This trend means that after 2001 most of China industries decrease the dependencies of import from outside. Some trade pattern in measures of distance to final demand and clustering coefficient are exhibited in this paper.