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 business performance.

In particular, the Working Party on the Information Economy (WPIE) focuses on digital content, ICT diffusion to business, global value chains, ICT-enabled offshoring, ICT skills and employment and the publication of the OECD Information Technology Outlook.

ICCP and WPIE in the news.

What's new

Recommendation of the OECD Council for enhanced access and more effective use of public sector information

18-Jun-2008

This Recommendation is designed as a general framework for Member countries to foster wider and more effective use of public sector information and content, and the generation of new uses from it. It lays out principles for openness and transparent conditions for re-use, quality and integrity, new technologies and long-term preservation, copyright, pricing, competition and redress, and international access.

OECD Policy Guidance for Digital Content

25-Jun-2008

Digital content is an important factor driving growth and employment, with widespread impacts on business, governments and society. These policy principles are designed to enhance the benefits of digital content-related innovations by promoting an enabling environment, enhancing the infrastructure, and fostering a business and regulatory climate conducive to the creation, access and use of digital content.

OECD proposes roadmap for the future of the Internet economy

18-Jun-2008

The Seoul Declaration came at the close of the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy, held in Seoul, Korea, on 17-18 June 2008. Participants agreed on the need for governments to work closely with business, civil society and technical experts on policies that promote competition, empower and protect consumers, and expand Internet access and use worldwide.

Shaping policies for the future of the Internet economy

18-Jun-2008

This report provides policy direction and guidance from five OECD Committees in Internet-related policy areas. Its objective is to help decision-makers in their efforts to facilitate convergence, stimulate creativity, strengthen confidence, and expand opportunities for global economic, social and cultural development enabled by the Internet.

Policy brief: The future of the Internet economy

06-Jun-2008

Major changes are affecting the scope and scale of the Internet. As a result, the Internet is increasingly high on the policy agenda in many OECD and non-OECD countries. This policy brief reviews likely future developments in the Internet economy and how policy-makers can help the Internet to adapt to evolving requirements caused by convergence, continue to drive innovation, and be trustworthy.

Broadband and the Economy

05-Jun-2008

Broadband and networked ICTs are diffusing rapidly, but there are significant differences in use among countries, sectors and firms, and their impacts are only beginning to be felt.  Broadband and networked ICTs are important in meeting health, demographic and environmental challenges, and policy plays an important role in expanding their use and enhancing their impact.

OECD broadband up 18% in 2007 but new report says more could be done

19-May-2008

New OECD statistics show strong broadband growth and a progressive upgrade to fibre-optic connections. A new report based on the broadband strategies of all 30 OECD countries highlights innovative policies and areas of weakness. 

Workshop on ICTs and Environmental Challenges

from 22-May-2008 to 23-May-2008

The aims of this workshop include: taking stock of the impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the environment including in efficient buildings, transport and distribution and distance working; Identifing areas for further analysis of the application and use of ICTs to further environmental goals; Analysis of both positive effects and issues of ICT recycling; Considering policy implications and the development of goals and priorities.

RFID applications, impacts and country initiatives

29-Apr-2008

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a promising new technology with a rapidly growing range of applications, many integrating technologies such as sensors. In this report, eight major fields of application are analysed, impacts are discussed and country initiatives described.

Expert workshop on public sector information

from 04-Feb-2008 to 05-Feb-2008

This expert workshop was designed to provide analysis and insights into the measurement and impacts of public sector information access and use.

Economic and social impacts of ICT: what do official statistics tell us?

09-Jan-2008

Policy makers everywhere want to know about the social and economic impacts of ICT. This paper examines what official statistics tell us about these impacts and suggests areas for future work.

High-speed broadband is changing people’s use of the Internet

09-Jan-2008

The Internet is part of everyday life for a billion people and is driving major changes in people's lives. This study analyses the use of Internet and broadband in detail, showing that people’s socio-economic standing has a direct bearing on how they use the Web.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Implementation in Germany: Challenges and Benefits

28-Nov-2007

RFID technology is increasingly used in a wide range of tracking and tracing applications. This study compares the implementation of RFID across a range of different sectors. Previous studies have either assessed related benefits and challenges on an aggregated level, or focused on one sector or specific application. This study is based on leading companies in Germany that are early adopters of RFID technology or undertaking pilot or implementation projects. It draws on in-depth interviews with early adopters from a broad range of industry sectors, academics and research institutes.

Results of the online public consultation on the future of the Internet economy

06-Nov-2007

The OECD recently invited public comments on issues such as convergence, innovation and trust, all of which will be discussed at the June 2008 OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy. This consultation provided an opportunity for all interested stakeholders to contribute to the discussions from a wide range of viewpoints and expertise. Responses are now available on line.

First-ever international policy forum on the participative web (Ottawa, Canada)

on 03-Oct-2007

Experts and thinkers from leading companies, research institutes, citizen groups and the public sector set out their vision of the next-generation Internet, its enhanced interactivity, and how users, business, scientists, citizen groups and governments will exploit its new possibilities. This event also featured a live conference blog, webcast and other remote participation tools.

Joint WPIIS/WPIE workshop on the Economic and Social Impacts of Broadband Communications: from ICT Measurement to Policy Implications

on 22-May-2007

The workshop reviewed studies of the impacts of broadband roll-out and use: a) on economic performance at aggregate level and in the business sector, and b) on the geographical distribution of economic activity and employment, on content producers and users, and on households. It covered recent and ongoing analysis for as a wide range of OECD countries.

Overview of the gender distribution of ICT and ICT-related employment in OECD countries

03-Apr-2007

There are a number of reasons for the heightened interest in gender-related issues and the aim to mainstream gender into all aspects of economic and social activity. From an efficiency point of view, women need to be part of economic activity at all levels, from decision-making to execution phases, and this is becoming increasingly urgent in the light of demographic pressures and aging populations in most OECD countries.

Is China the new centre for offshoring of IT and ICT-enabled services?

29-Mar-2007

This paper analyses current developments in IT and ICT-enabled services offshoring to China and discusses the potential for further growth, using indicators of international trade, human resources and ICT infrastructure. R&D activities are a specific example of China’s potential to supply more highly skilled ICT-enabled services and move up the value chain.

See more news and events… Top of page

OECD Guidance and Reports on RFID

RFID guidance and reports

OECD Policy Guidance for Digital Content

OECD Policy Guidance for Digital Content

Editor's Choice

Latest edition with a broad overview of trends and prospects in the IT industry, analysis of the impact of IT on the economy and society, and a review of emerging applications, IT policies and new policy directions.

OECD Information Technology Outlook 2006

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