Characterizing and Comparing the Evolution of the Major Global Players in Information and Communications Technologies

Abstract

Introduction: In this paper, we characterize and compare, using most recent official macro-economic data, the evolution of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) industry of the most important global players in ICT: China, the European Union (EU), Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the USA. The ICT industry includes IT and telecom hardware manufacturers, telecom operators and software and computer service firms. The ICT industry provides technologies and solutions necessary for the development of the digital economy and society. This analysis is particularly relevant for policy makers since the ICT industry and ICT-enabled innovation make an increasingly important contribution to economic growth. Our research is part of the policy support provided by JRC-IPTS to the European Commission, in particular to its Communications Networks, Content and Technology Directorate General. Approach and Data: We first identify the most important global players in ICT by comparing the economic weight of their ICT industry and their volume of Business Expenditures in RD and it approached in 2009 the level of ICT BERD of Korea. These initial results also provide substantial insights on the role of these economies in global ICT production networks.