A regional input-output model of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy: decomposing demand and supply factors

Abstract

We propose an empirically estimated inter-regional input-output model of the Italian economy designed for COVID-19 impact assessment, intended as a tool for public authorities facing comparable adverse events and requiring timely estimates of sectoral and regional economic impacts. We evaluate the contributions of demand- and supply-side factors to output losses in Italy during the pandemic, providing insights on the suitability of demand- and supply-side policies. Supply-side shocks, as a consequence of mandated closures, are the primary driver of output losses only during the nationwide lockdown of spring 2020. During the following stages, changes in final demand due to income losses and changes in mobility play a pivotal role at the aggregate, regional, and sectoral levels. While this result supports demand-side policies, the efficacy of such policies may be hampered when final consumption demand is low chiefly due to reduced mobility rather than income losses.