A publicly available, fully-documented, global data base is the centerpiece of GTAP. Since GTAP’s inception in 1993, the data base has evolved in response to and with the support of its users. As the regional and sectoral classification expands and new features are added, the size and complexity of the construction task also increases. New methods and standards have been adapted to facilitate complete automation, ease in replicating previous builds, and flexibility in adding new inputs or regions. These innovations include the use of a modular structure, build management, version control, regional flexibility, and use of a common tool set
