Multi-regional Dynamic General Equilibrium Modeling of the U.S. Economy - USAGE-TERM Development and Applications

This book details the preparation of USAGE-TERM, a computable general equilibrium model that provides regional economic detail in the USA. The model can represent either congressional district or state level economic activity. The latter may include a top-down representation of county activity. Interest in USAGE-TERM is growing among government departments. It is a practical tool, which may enhance analysis of productivity growth and innovation, adverse events such as drought or civil disruption and the dynamic economic impacts of major projects.

Economic analysts and policy makers care about regions. Some regions suffer growing pains, as supporting infrastructure and services struggle to cope with population growth. Soaring house prices and rentals may lower affordability for many. Other regions suffer ongoing decline due to structural change. Regional economic fluctuations are often far more dramatic than national fluctuations. 

Prof. Glyn Wittwer is a regional dynamic CGE modeling expert. He has played a major role with Mark Horridge in developing databases for TERM versions in several countries. He edited the Springer volume Economic Modeling of Water (2012) and contributed the majority of chapters in the volume. He has extensive consulting experience. His list of projects includes dynamic, multi-regional CGE modeling in Australia, China and the United States. These includes modeling of the impacts of major dam and transport projects, drought and water trading, flood, hypothetical plant disease scenarios, productivity scenarios, wine tax scenarios, major mine construction projects and industry closures.