The search of a hierarchy in economic systems, using triangulation method,
has a long tradition in economics. This study, after revisiting Authors' optimization
algorithm, based on "path restricted unimodularity", tries to cast new light into the
black box of the rules governing the transformation of the economic structure in growth
process. Inter-temporal, cross-sectional and simulated comparisons have been made on
European Community, Union and Euro Area input-output tables (1965-2007) aiming
at verifying above all whether the asymmetrical hierarchy prevailed or not. The main
results prove that the agents (branches) work in competition rather than in cooperation,
thus the dominance criterion rules inducing asymmetry. Contrary to expectations, the
richest Euro Area presents a more hierarchical structure than European Union and
is more reactive to any °uctuation of ̄nal demand. Also the classical Agribusiness
complex, important for investigating new comers, presents a highly inductive triangular
arrangement and plays an intermediate function.
