Globalisation of the ICT Sector

OECD

doi:https://doi.org/10.1787/it_outlook-2008-4-en

OECD Information Technology Outlook 2008

Information technology (IT) and broadband are major drivers of research, innovation, economic growth and social change. The 2008 edition of the OECD Information Technology Outlook analyses recent developments in the IT goods and services industries, and suggests that the outlook is for continued long-term growth, constrained by the currently very uncertain macroeconomic environment in OECD countries but with somewhat higher growth possible elsewhere.

This edition analyses the impact of high-speed broadband on the economy, and areas of future impacts. The dynamic growth of digital-content-based creative industries is outlined, covering user-created content; online computer and video games; film, video and music; and online advertising. Recent trends in OECD ICT policies are analysed to assess whether they are rising to these new challenges. Highly prioritised policy areas include investing in ICT R&D and innovation, improving government online activities, spreading broadband, increasing the use of ICTs, raising ICT skills and employment, and supporting digital content development.

English Also available in: French

Related Content:
- OECD Communications Outlook 2007

https://doi.org/10.1787/it_outlook-2008-en

Chapter

Globalisation of the ICT Sector

Global restructuring of ICT production continued in 2007 and 2008, with Asia, Eastern Europe, Mexico and some new locations becoming increasingly important as producers and growth markets. Global ICT trade has expanded strongly and was almost USD 1.5 trillion higher in 2007 than the peak of 2000. ICT trade slowed in 2007 and the first half of 2008 as world economic conditions weakened. Nevertheless, ICT trade continued to increase, due to the resilience of some OECD ICT imports and strong demand from some emerging markets. An important question is whether the demand for new ICT products, coupled with growth in emerging economies (in Asia but also in other countries) will compensate for the very sharp downturn in OECD countries. ICT-related FDI increased to historically high levels in 2007 with non-OECD economies increasingly active, notably in ICT mergers and acquisitions, but with a marked slowdown in global merger and acquisition activity and FDI flows in 2008 as the OECD area went into recession.

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English Also available in: French