Some considerations on assessing the importance of a coefficient.

In input-output models, a technical coefficient is considered important when its variation causes significant changes in output, thus having great capacity to influence the economy. This concept of importance has limitations, some of which are resolved in this paper. Thus, a generalization of this concept is proposed by including in the analysis households as another sector to be considered. A new conceptualization of the notion of importance is also raised, in which changes in the total output are considered rather than the sectoral changes. Finally, a connection is established and formulated between an important coefficient and the intensity of the field of influence. • Obtaining important coefficients is very relevant in terms of potential contributions to the formation and evaluation of economic policies, especially those related to addressing spatial and personal inequalities. • The more important a coefficient, the greater the technical output-coefficient elasticity. Therefore, policies affecting important coefficients will generate greater economy-wide impacts. • One extension consists in the analysis based on demographic-economic models that would allow for the introduction of households as another relevant factor to be considered. • The importance of the sectors was measured through an indicator (SIDI), which considers both the number of important coefficients and the relevance of each coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]