On July 28, 2020, the forth seminar of UNEP-IEMP and the second seminar in the CEL Seminar Series was held online. Yang Cuihong, a professor at the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Director of the Key Laboratory of management, decision making, and information systems, CAS, and Deputy Director of the Prediction Science Research Center of CAS, was invited to give an seminar on "The Input-output model and its application in economic analysis and simulation". More than 100 people from UNEP-IEMP and other organizations attended the seminar online.

In the first part of this lecture, Professor Yang explained the definition of the input-output model and the types of problems that could be solved by this model, using specific social and economic problems as examples. In the introduction part, the framework, types, core model of the input-output table were explained in detail, as well as the solutions to typical problems. Professor Yang secondly introduced the application of the input-output model in solving the global value chain and other economic problems and emphasized the significance of value-added research. Finally, Professor Yang introduced the possible problems and solutions in the application of the model, such as the timeliness of the input-output table.

In the Q&A session, Professor Yang and the participants discussed the differences and applications of various of input-output tables, the compilation progress of input-output tables at the regional level, the distinction between supply chain and value chain, the application of the input-output model in environmental issues such as carbon emissions and climate change, and the advanced research topics and progress, etc..

This seminar provided a vivid and detailed introduction to the application methods and research examples of the input-output model in the analysis and simulation of economic activities. The seminar content covered advanced technology application, scientific research experience, frontier research direction, and latest progress of related research. The seminar greatly met the need from multi-level learning and working group, providing broader ideas and effective tools for daily related scientific research work. The seminar provided learning and capacity-building opportunities for the members of UNEP-IEMP and enhanced academic exchanges between UNEP-IEMP and other institutions.

Professor Cuihong Yang, Professor Xiaoguang Yang and Director Linxiu Zhang at the online seminar