Introduction

This introduction presents a special issue of the Rivista Internazionale di Scienze Sociali dedicated to the scientific legacy of Graham Pyatt, a pioneering economist whose contributions to Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs) profoundly influenced economic theory, multisectoral modelling, and quantitative policy analysis. The paper highlights Pyatt’s ability to integrate macroeconomic, microeconomic, and institutional perspectives, particularly in the analysis of poverty, income distribution, and economic development. By introducing the contributions collected in this special issue, it illustrates the continuing relevance of SAM-based methodologies for understanding economic structures and evaluating public policies. The introduction ultimately emphasizes Pyatt’s lasting influence on economic research and his distinctive ability to connect theoretical advances with practical policy challenges.