Yogyakarta, November 5, 2025 – The UGM Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program held a guest lecture for the Regional Economics course. The lecture carried the theme “Structural Changes in the Irish Economy 1926-2020: An Input-Output Analysis” with Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, Professor of Public and Social Policy, University of Galway, Ireland, as the guest speaker.
In this guest lecture, Prof. Cathal began by introducing the basic concepts of value chains and input-output analysis. The value chain begins with the provision of raw materials, production, distribution, and sales services, to generate added value for consumers. In today’s economy, the value chain involves interactions between various sectors, giving rise to input-output relationships. Prof. Cathal explained the input-output (IO) model, which shows the multiplier effect when demand for inputs in a sector increases and involves inter-regional interactions.
In a case study of the Irish economy from 1026 to 2020, which was initially dominated by the agricultural sector, it transformed into a rapidly growing manufacturing sector after joining the European Economic Community (EEC), marked by increased imports and exports. The input-output model helps analyze relationships among sectors and their impacts on the regional economy.
This guest lecture is one of the activities in the 2025 Impactful Campus Competition Program (PKKB) from the Higher Education Data Center (PDDIKTI), which aims to improve the quality of learning in relation to economic sectors and their impact on sustainable regional growth.
This activity contributes to the achievement of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening the understanding of inclusive, efficient, and sustainability-oriented economic development.
Author : Aprilia Dwi Hastuti
Admin of the Website for the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM