A comparative input-output analysis of the construction sector in Turkey and EU countries

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to analyze and compare the performance of the construction sector in Turkey and selected European Union (EU) countries using input-output (IO) tables for the years 1998 and 2002. Design/methodology/ approach - IO tables are used to analyze and compare the construction sector. First the input-output analysis and the construction sector are briefly introduced. Then, the data and methodology are specified. A set of indicators obtained from the data is used for the comparative analysis. Findings - The construction sector of the selected 13 countries is examined in terms of Gross National Product (GNP) and National Income (NI) shares; direct and total construction backward and forward linkage indicators and direct and total construction inputs from manufacturing and services reflecting the technologies used in construction. The key findings are pointed out in the conclusion. Research limitations/implications - The lack of data from Turkey relating to recent years and incompatibility of new and old data limit this study's scope to the two years. Originality/value - The concept of using IO analysis for comparing the construction sector has been around for a considerable period of time. This paper has an importance for comparing the construction sector in Turkey and some selected EU countries, being the first study in that field in Turkey, and is therefore of direct importance for the Turkish construction sector.