1 Targeting the Collection of Superior Data for the Estimation of Regional Input- Output Tables

It is well known that (regional) input-output tables are estimated more accurately if non-survey techniques are complemented by superior data, obtained via surveys, experts or other reliable sources. Collecting superior data is costly and it is therefore crucial that the cells for which to collect superior data are well chosen. Several methods have been proposed in the literature. Some of these select a set of individual cells, others identify entire sectors. The present paper evaluates six of these methods by simulating the estimation of the regional input-output tables of 27 Chinese provinces for 2002, on the basis of their tables for 1997. Data from the true 2002 tables are used to mimic superior data collection