Planning for Sectors and Projects in Developing Countries: Applications of the Semi-Input-Output Method

This article presents a special case of W. Leontiers traditional input-output techniques, viz., J. Tinbcrgen’s semi-input-output method. Particularly suitable for planning purposes in developing countries with open economies, the method emphasizes the role of a country’s comparative advantages for investment decisions at both the sector and project level. The similarity of semi-input-output with the Little-Mirrlees method of shadow pricing is shown. Empirical applications for Nigeria are reviewed.