Information Economy

The Information Economy unit (www.oecd.org/sti/information-economy), examines the economic and social implications of the development, diffusion and use of ICTs, the Internet and e-business. It analyses ICT policy frameworks shaping economic growth, productivity, employment and the environment.

The Working Party on the Information Economy (WPIE) focuses on digital content, ICT diffusion to businessICT-enabled offshoring, ICT skills and employment and the publication of the OECD Information Technology Outlook . Work is underway on ICTs and the Environment.

WPIE in the news.

What's new

OECD releases Guide to Measuring the Information Society 2009

08-Jul-2009

The newly released Guide to the Information Society 2009 covers the definition of industries producing ICT goods and services (the "ICT sector"), a classification for ICT goods, the definitions of e-commerce and Internet transactions, and model questionnaires and methodologies for measuring ICT use and e-commerce by businesses and households/individuals.

The Role of Digital Identity Management in the Internet Economy

29-Jun-2009

This primer aims to provide policy makers a broad-brush understanding of the various dimensions of digital identity management (IdM). Consistent with the Seoul Ministerial Declaration, it also aims to support efforts to address public policy issues for securely managing and protecting digital identities, with a view to strengthening confidence in the online activities crucial to the growth of the Internet Economy.

Ministers stress the role of ICTs as part of global green growth agenda

26-Jun-2009

Clean technologies and smart ICT applications are key to effectively fight climate change, protect biodiversity and manage our water resources. In the declaration on green growth, ministers from OECD countries and beyond underscore that “green” and “growth” can go hand in hand.

OECD holds government discussion session on the Future of News

19-Jun-2009

As traditional newspapers are under ever greater pressure and as new forms of online news are merging, the OECD Working Party on the Information Economy invited experts to discuss the future of news and the role of the Internet.

OECD releases new ICT product definitions

10-Jun-2009

This document presents the OECD definition of Information Economy Products based on the Central Product Classification Version 2.

Conference on “ICTs, the environment and climate change”

from 27-May-2009 to 28-May-2009

On 27-28 May 2009, the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hosted a high-level OECD conference on the potential of information and communication technologies to combat climate change and improve environmental performance. Live webcast and Twitter feed available. Internet users had the possibility to send in questions for speakers.

Towards Green ICT Strategies

22-May-2009

Improving environmental performance, tackling global warming and enhancing resource management are high on the list of global challenges that must be urgently addressed. This report analyses government programmes and business initiatives on ICT and the environment to address environmental challenges, particularly global warming and energy use.

UK-OECD Workshop on Innovation and Policy for Virtual Worlds

on 11-Mar-2009

How can virtual worlds contribute to innovation, to transformation of business, government and public services and to increasing transparency, improving innovative services delivery, and creating employment?
Should public policy frameworks be adapted to support governments, citizens, and businesses using virtual worlds to improve their performance? If so how?

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Editor's Choice

Latest edition released end-2008

OECD Information Technology Outlook 2008