The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is the backbone of the digital transformation. In addition, while the digitalisation of the economy extends to all sectors to varying degrees, it is particularly prevalent in the Content and Media sector. These two highly digital sectors together comprise the Information Industries, a key aggregate that has been widely used to assess digital performance across countries. With the recent endorsement of the 5th Revision of International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC Rev. 5), an update of these definitions is imperative. After a brief overview of the origins of the ICT and Content and Media definitions, this document explores key changes introduced in ISIC Rev. 5 and their implications for updating the OECD definitions. New definitions are then presented in line with existing guiding principles.
OECD definitions of the ICT sector, the Content and Media sector, and Information Industries based on ISIC Rev. 5
