Information technology (IT) continues to be a major driver of economic change, restructuring businesses, affecting skills and employment, and contributing significantly to growth and wealth creation. This volume describes the main trends in industries and businesses supplying IT goods and services. It looks at the impact of IT diffusion and applications, as well as the growing importance of network effects as the use of IT expands. It describes recent market dynamics and gives a detailed overview of the globalisation of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. It also analyses the increasingly important software sector and examines the growth in electronic commerce as well as some of the barriers to its expansion.
This volume also looks at developments in the provision and use of ICT skills, mismatches between supply and demand and potential remedies. It traces the diffusion of ICTs and examines the digital divide among individuals, households and businesses, then highlights the potential of selected technological developments that will affect the commercial exploitation and socio-economic impacts of ICTs in the medium term.
Finally, it provides an overview of IT policies in OECD countries, particularly those aimed at expanding the supply and use of ICT skills and overcoming the digital divide.
Table of contents:
Highlights Chapter 1. ICTs and their Role in the Economy -ICTs and their Contribution to Growth and Economic Performance -The ICT-Producing Sector -The Growing Role of ICTs across the Economy -Conclusion Chapter 2. Globalisation of the ICT Sector -Globalisation of the ICT Sector -Conclusion Chapter 3. The Software Sector -Growth Trends -R&D in the Software Sector -Software Patents -Software as an Intangible Investment -International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment -Domestic Markets -Packaged Software -Industry Structure -Conclusion Chapter 4. E-Commerce Intensity -Introduction -Defining and Measuring E-Commerce Transactions -The Use of the Internet in Transaction-Related Business Processes -Volume and Nature of E-Commerce Transactions -Drivers and Inhibitors of Electronic Commerce Transactions Conclusions Chapter 5. ICT Skills and Employment -Knowledge, Skills and IT -Measuring the IT Workforce -Shortages of IT Workers? Data and Analysis -Enterprise Responses to Labor Market Conditions -The Supply of IT Workers -Defining and Identifying IT Skill Requirements -Policy Options and Action -Conclusion Chapter 6. ICT Diffusion and the Digital Divide -Indicators of ICT Access and Use -Leaders and Laggards: Households and Individuals -Leaders and Laggards: Business and Governments -Conclusion Chapter 7. Technology Trends in the ICT Sector -Current Technological Trends -Conclusion Chapter 8. IT Policies -Overview of IT Policies -Policies for ICT Skills -Policies to Address the Digital Divide -Conclusion Annex I. Methodology and Definitions
