Indicators of Information and Communication Technology

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a major driver of changes in economic, social, public, and private life, leading to emergence of the information society and digital economy. Identification of key trends and analysis of transformation processes can only be made on the basis of reliable statistical data. Development of relevant international statistics plays a leading role here; hence, via establishing and updating relevant standards, it allows to measure development of the information society in a global scale, and benchmark positions of individual countries in the worldwide economic environment. ICT indicators are based on general (definitions and classifications, similar data collection methodologies) and specialized statistical standards, whereas harmonized methodology provides highly compatible indicators for different countries. The objective of this chapter is to present a systemic overview of internationally accepted definitions of main ICT indicators based on accumulated methodological standards and practical experience.