The Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Information Economy has been prepared for the benefit of statistical agencies, in particular in developing and transition economies. It is directed towards those staff that are responsible for producing official statistics on the information economy. The main aim of the Manual is to support the production of information and communication technology (ICT) statistics that are internationally comparable – more specifically, statistics on the ICT sector, ICT trade and use of ICT by businesses. The Manual does not cover household statistics. The Manual has been prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and reflects its mandate to assist developing economies in measuring and monitoring the information economy.

The Manual is intended to be a practical tool for producing ICT statistics at the national level; these, in turn, serve as key inputs to countries’ national ICT policies and strategies. The Manual explains the international standards that guide work in this area and offers advice on collecting, processing and disseminating ICT statistics and associated metadata.

Custodian: UNCTAD