Input–Output Modeling for Interdependent Infrastructure Sectors

This article discusses practical applications of input–output analysis to describe and model interdependencies across infrastructure and economic sectors of a region. The increasing degrees of interdependencies coupled with the uncertain and emerging nature disasters motivate the need for advancing the knowledge and modeling capabilities in this domain. The inoperability input–output model (IIM) is introduced in this article and demonstrated using three selected applications: (i) a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse attack scenario, (ii) reactions to an increased threat level in Homeland Security Advisory System, and (iii) impacts of a disrupted transportation asset on a regional economy. Keywords: input–output model; risk analysis; interdependencies; inoperability; ripple effects; cost–benefit analysis; sector decomposition; sensitivity analysis