What economic impact measurement is — and why it matters
Every event, public investment or development programme generates economic activity that goes well beyond the initial spend. A trade fair doesn't just fill hotel rooms — it activates transport, catering, retail, services and wages that ripple through the local economy. A public infrastructure project doesn't just build a road — it creates supply-chain demand and long-term productivity gains.
The problem is that most of this value is invisible without the right tools. Decision-makers know the event "went well" or the programme "created jobs", but they can't say exactly how much value was generated, where it landed and what it multiplied. Without those numbers, it's hard to justify budgets, attract sponsors, compare alternatives or plan the next edition.
Economic impact measurement exists to answer those questions with data. It turns activity into numbers: GDP contribution, jobs created or sustained, tax revenue generated, supply-chain activation. And when it's done properly, it becomes a decision tool — not just a report for the shelf.
Our approach: practical economics
We use the same methodologies that governments, the European Commission and major consultancies (PwC, Deloitte) rely on — but we present the results in a way that's useful for decision-makers. These are the principles we work by:
- Systematic prudence. Wherever there's room for judgement, we pick the conservative value — and say so. We'd rather reality exceed the figure than fall short.
- Triangulation. We cross-check every result through independent routes — comparable benchmarks, sectoral statistics, the project's own physical capacity — until the conclusion holds from every angle.
We also measure what traditional economic studies often miss: the promotional and advertising impact. An event generates visibility — media coverage, social media reach, brand exposure — that has a real monetary equivalent. We quantify that too, so you see the full picture.
The methodologies
Input-output analysis. We use the territory's official input-output tables to calculate how each euro invested propagates through the local productive chains. The model captures three levels of effect: direct (in the sector receiving the investment), indirect (in its suppliers) and induced (from the consumption of the workers involved). Results are expressed in output, GDP, employment and, where appropriate, fiscal returns.
Every study also includes a comparison with the real alternative — typically, the status quo continuing — to quantify what is lost for each year or month of delay.
Promotional and advertising impact. We track media coverage — press, TV, radio, digital — and calculate the advertising value equivalent (AVE): what the same exposure would have cost as paid media. We also measure social media reach, engagement, brand mentions and sentiment. The result is a clear picture of the visibility return, expressed in euros and audience numbers.
Who this service is for
This is a service for anyone who needs to put a number on the value of what they do:
Public administrations — regional governments, city councils and public agencies that need to justify investments, evaluate programmes or support funding applications with hard data.
Event organisers — trade fairs, festivals, conferences, sports events. Whether you need to renew a public subsidy, attract sponsors or plan the next edition, the numbers make the case.
Tourism boards and destination managers that need to measure the return of promotional campaigns, events and infrastructure investments on visitor numbers and local spending.
Chambers of commerce and business associations that want to demonstrate the economic contribution of their activities, members or sectors to the territory.
Companies and sponsors that invest in events or sponsorships and need to quantify the return — both in economic terms and in brand visibility.
What we deliver
Full study with input-output analysis: direct, indirect and induced effects on GDP, employment and tax revenue. Economic multiplier and sector breakdown.
Media coverage analysis, advertising value equivalent, social media metrics, brand exposure and audience reach. The visibility side of the equation.
Visual summary with the key numbers: multiplier, GDP contribution, jobs, tax revenue, AVE and reach. Designed for boards, sponsors and press releases.
Full technical annex explaining the data sources, assumptions, model parameters and calculation steps. Stands up to peer review and audit.
How we work
Every study follows four phases. We adapt the depth and timeline to the scope of the project.
We define what gets measured and what doesn't, for which audience and at what level of detail. We establish the source hierarchy: promoter documentation, official statistics, applicable legislation and sectoral benchmarks. Where two sources differ, we choose with explicit criteria and note the discrepancy.
We collect the necessary data and build the demand vector: allocating investment and activity to the input-output table's sectors, applying conservative market ratios and netting out relocations. For promotional impact, we run clipping, digital metrics and audience analysis.
We run the input-output model, calculate fiscal returns with verified tax rates and compare with the real alternative. Then we triangulate through independent routes until the conclusion holds from every angle.
We write the report with safeguards, an executive summary with a figures table, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and verifiable annexes. If the study is expert testimony, we include identification and the formal declaration. We present and, if needed, support public communication of the findings.
Timelines vary: a focused single-event study typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. Larger programmes may take 3 to 5 months. We set realistic deadlines and stick to them.
About economic impact
Need the numbers?
Tell us what you need to measure and we'll design the study. Real data, clear conclusions, numbers that hold up.
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