Better policy analysis with better data. Constructing a Social Accounting Matrix from the European System of National Accounts.

Better policy analysis with better data. Constructing a Social Accounting Matrix from the

European System of National Accounts*.

Susana Santos

Technical University of Lisbon

School of Economics and Management (ISEG);

Department of Economics

Research Unit on Complexity in Economics (UECE)

Rua Miguel Lupi, 20, 1200-781 Lisboa, Portugal,

Tel. 351 21 392 59 53

Fax: 351 21 392 28 08

E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract

This paper will discuss the importance of the SAM (Social Accounting Matrix) as a consistent and
flexible database for economic modelling to be used for the purpose of ensuring a better policy
analysis.

It will be shown how the SAM represents the circular flow of income and how it can support
disaggregated economy-wide modelling.

It will further be demonstrated how a SAM can be constructed from the SNA 93 (1993 version of
the United Nations System of National Accounts) in an ESA 95 framework (European System of
National and Regional Accounts in the European Community of 1995), and, using an example for
Portugal, how it can be implemented in the European Union.

Key words: Social Accounting Matrix; National Accounts; Economic Modelling

JEL classification: C82; E61; C68

(July 2006)

This paper was supported by FCT (Fundaçâo para a Ciência e a Tecnologia), through the UECE.

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