Description: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. Table of Content : Highlights: OECD Information Technology Outlook 2008 Chapter 1. The IT Industry: Recent Developments and Outlook -Introduction -Recent developments in ICT Supply -Prospects in the near to medium term -ICT firms -Top 250 ICT firms -Individual firm performance -Top 50 ICT firms -Semiconductors -Structural change in the ICT sector -Value added -Employment -Venture capital -ICT markets and spending -Conclusion -Annex 1.A2. Top firms by sector -Annex 1.A2. ICT spending Chapter 2. Globalisation of the ICT Sector -Introduction -Global trade in information technology products -OECD trade in ICT subsectors -Software goods trade -Trade in ICT services -Globalisation of the ICT sector -Foreign direct investment -Mergers and acquisitions -Conclusion Annex 2.A1. Statistics on ICT Globalisation Chapter 3. ICT Research and Development and Innovation -Introduction -ICT R D Challenges and Priorities -ICT sector R D expenditures and employment -Trends in the Organisation of ICT R D -ICT-related R D in other industries -ICT-related patents and R D expenditures -Conclusion Annex 3.A1. Definitions Chapter 4. Broadband and ICT Access and use by Households and Individuals -Introduction -Access and use of broadband and selected ICTs: Recent developments -Time use and the Internet -From the digital access divide to the digital use divide -Conclusion -Annex 4.A1 and 4.A2: Broadband Statistics Chapter 5. Digital Content in Transition -Introduction -Broadband content markets and value chains: Cross-sector comparisons -Broadband content developments -Conclusion Annex 5.A1. Market size and growth: advertising, computer and video games, music, film and video Chapter 6. Economic Implications of Broadband -Introduction -The expected economic impact of broadband -Reliability of the infrastructure -Evidence on the productivity impacts of broadband -Broadband and SMEs -Conclusion Chapter 7. ICT Policy Developments -Introduction -Overview of ICT policy priorities and developments -ICT policy environment: Coordination and priority setting -Specific ICT policies and programmes -Policy assessment and evaluation Annex 7.A1. ICT Policy Framework and Ranking of Policy Areas Annex A. Methodology and Definitions