Sektor Unggulan Ekonomi Pantai Timur Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This study aims to identify leading sectors and analyze structural economic shifts in the East Coast region of North Sumatra during the 2019–2023 period. As a region with a significant contribution to the province's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), it is crucial to understand which sectors serve as the driving force for regional growth. The analytical methods used include Location Quotient (LQ) to identify base sectors and Shift-Share analysis to assess sectoral competitiveness and relative growth compared to the provincial level. The results reveal that several sectors consistently had LQ values above 1, including Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail Trade, Information and Communication, Construction, and Financial Services. Additionally, Shift-Share analysis shows that Manufacturing, Trade, and Information and Communication sectors had Dij>0, indicating that they grew faster than the provincial average and demonstrated strong competitiveness. These sectors fulfill both criteria and are therefore classified as the region’s leading sectors. These findings suggest a structural shift in the regional economy from primary sectors toward more dynamic and competitive secondary and tertiary sectors. This serves as a critical foundation for regional policymakers to design development strategies based on local economic potential and to encourage a more sustainable and inclusive structural transformation.