::Data Bases :: How to Contribute to GTAP Efforts?
While the GTAP Data Base is constructed by the Center for Global Trade Analysis, most of the datasets
used are supplied by the GTAP Network - consisting of individuals, agencies and institutions from
around the world. The most common contributions made by individuals in the network are individual country
data (I-O tables).
If you don't like it, help fix it!
The Network of GTAP users represents an excellent resource for improvement of the Data Base. Those who
identify areas for improvement or extension of the Data Base are free to make this available to GTAP staff
in order to have it considered for incorporation into the next release. The operational concept is: If you
don't like it, help fix it!
This section is designed to assist people who would like to contribute additional regions or improve the
data for current regions by contributing a regional I-O table.
As a contributor to the GTAP Data Base you will receive a free copy (on CD-ROM) of the final version of
the GTAP Data Base to which you contributed and access to all interim releases of the version to which you
contributed, via a secured website. Please review the
GTAP Policy on Input-Output Table and
dataset Contributors as well as the
licensing agreement and general
conditions of use for further details.
Important dates
The Center is continuously updating and releasing interim releases of the GTAP Data Base. Submissions to
version 7.1 are now being accepted.
How do I go about contributing a new Input-Output table?
The first step is to contact the Center by emailing
Terrie Walmsley to discuss what you would
like to contribute.
The second step is to download and read
GTAP Technical Paper No. 1 from the
GTAP Technical Paper series. This gives you an idea of what is required. Contributing an I-O table
is not just a matter of sending us your data, we require it in a
specific format before it can be
incorporated into the GTAP Data Base. The technical paper also explains what this format is and
helps you to put your data into that format.
Many of the issues addressed in the Technical Paper are also covered in this section of the
website (see list on right hand-side for appropriate links).
An exercise book containing easy to use programs which assist contributors with the manipulation of
simple IO/SAM data into the GTAP format is also available. We strongly encourage contributors to go
through these exercises.
The third is to submit your I-O table on our website.
Submitting it via our website will walk you through a step-by-step process helping ensure that a)
all required data is submitted and b) your data is in the proper format.
How do I find out about the current Regional Data?
A table which summarizes the source data for the current
regions in the GTAP Data Base is available. For more information on the procedures used by the Center to
incorporate your IO tables into the GTAP Data Base you should look at the
GTAP Data Base Documentation.
Where else can I get help? Terrie Walmsley, at the Center for Global Trade
Analysis, is willing to assist contributors with answers to any questions they might have about
contributing an I-O table.
There are also a number of people who have significant experience contributing I-O tables to the GTAP Data
Base who may be willing to provide more hands-on assistance for a fee. The Center for Global Trade
Analysis can assist in putting potential contributors in touch with these individuals; however, the Center
will not be party to any contractual obligations which might result from these relationships. Assistance
may be purchased from Mark Horridge at
the Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) at Monash University, Australia. If you are interested in these
services please visit his
website.
