International Industrial Ecology Day 2021

Considering EEIO models as a representation of spatially distributed supply chains (SCs), we propose a framework that can quantitatively assess the level of dependence and vulnerability of embedded sector-wise SCs to the rising scarcity of various regional ecosystems goods and services(EGS). Specifically, the framework introduces a new set of quantitative metrics to measure both direct and indirect dependence and vulnerability of the SCs, from the perspective of either the user or the supplier. Additionally, integration of methods from network theory and input-output algebra, namely, structural path analysis (SPA) to respectively identify and map important nodes and relevant SC paths (although aggregated) of the system are included in the framework. Last, another set of metrics is introduced for the assessment of SC-specific total and vulnerable throughputs. The application of this framework is demonstrated through an illustrative example of product-specific SCs originating from differing regions (states) while using a single-region water-extended IO model of the Indian economy. The framework can be extended to multiple regions and resources, with possibilities of alignment with all boundaries of the PB framework; however, procurement and integration of regional environmental data can be an uphill task for many regions.