Size and Structure of the Information Economy in Taiwan

Abstract

This study assesses the contribution of information technologies and information activities to the economic growth and development using a framework based upon the work of Porat. The empirical results indicate that, between 1991 and 2001, there were significant increases in the contributions to total gross domestic product (GDP) by the primary and secondary information sectors (PRIS and SIS). The majority of the value-added contributions to total GDP are attributable to the service industries, with the manufacturing industries in second place. The information economy in Taiwan achieved an average annual growth rate of 7.46% between 1991 and 2001, higher than the rate of growth in national GDP.