BURYIEconomic Consulting

Economic Contribution Studies

Economic Contribution Analysis

Document the footprint an existing organization, institution, or industry already has in its regional economy — with sourced data and a method reviewers can verify.

Discuss Your Matter

What a contribution study measures

A contribution study describes the scale of activity that already exists in an economy, rather than the change caused by a new project. Using input-output modeling, we trace operating spending, payroll, and capital outlays through the supply chain and household spending to estimate the full economic footprint of the entity being studied.

  • Total output, employment, and labor-income contribution by direct, indirect, and induced channel
  • State and local tax contribution estimates
  • Regional breakdowns by county, metro area, or state
  • Industry-level detail showing where supply-chain spending lands
  • Written report, exhibits, and a summary suitable for boards, funders, and press

Applications

  • Annual university or health-system contribution reports
  • Statewide industry footprint studies
  • Agricultural, energy, or manufacturing sector contribution analysis
  • Arts, tourism, and cultural-institution contribution studies
  • Member-association economic footprint reporting

Who it's for

Universities & hospitals

Show legislators, donors, and communities how much activity your institution supports across the region each year.

Industry associations

Quantify a sector's statewide footprint for advocacy, member communications, and policy testimony.

Employers & major facilities

Document the jobs, payroll, and tax base your operations sustain in the communities where you work.

Nonprofits & foundations

Translate program and operating spending into credible, comparable economic figures for funders.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a contribution study and an impact analysis?
A contribution study measures the size of activity that already exists in a regional economy. An impact analysis measures the change caused by a new project, policy, or event relative to a counterfactual. Both rely on input-output models, but the framing and interpretation differ, and conflating them is a common source of criticism.
What data do you need to start?
Typically operating expenditures by category, payroll and headcount, capital spending, and the geographic distribution of spending and employees. We work with whatever internal data exists and document any assumptions used to fill gaps.
How long does a contribution study take?
Most studies are completed in three to five weeks once data is provided, with expedited timelines available for legislative sessions or reporting deadlines.

Related services

Economic impact analysisCost-benefit analysis

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