ICT Research and Development and Innovation

OECD

doi:https://doi.org/10.1787/it_outlook-2008-5-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

ICT Research and Development and Innovation

The ICT sector is in the lead for R&D expenditures, employment, and patents. The software and semiconductor segments are particularly R&D-intensive. The share of ICT R&D conducted in non-ICT industries is also high (about one-quarter of total ICT R&D) and in some non-ICT sectors, ICT R&D spending (especially softwarerelated) makes up a large share of total R&D budgets. The United States and Japan still have a large lead in terms of ICT R&D expenditures by businesses, but countries such as Korea and some non-OECD economies are catching up. The organisation of ICT R&D is continuing to develop and change around new kinds of business collaboration and internationalisation.

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English Also available in: French