Optimisation targets

The optional targets mapping generates one CSV for a target-fitting optimisation.

targets:
  data_file_name: targets.csv
  first_year: 2026
  last_year: 2030
  derivations: [GDPRGROWTH]
  variables:
    - variable_prefix: GDPRGROWTH
      selectors:
        - dimension: regions
          members: [USA]
      value_path:
        type: permanent_constant
        value: 2.0
        units: per cent

The first and last years define contiguous CSV columns and must lie within the model projection horizon. A target variable uses the same selectors and shock projection syntax as a generated layer, but it has no variable_type because a target may be endogenous or derived.

Use derivations when the selected target prefix must be calculated for reporting. The maintained optimisation run script selects the generated file; it does not read setup.yaml.