Definition

Investment is defined in accordance with the 1993 System of National Accounts. ICT investment covers the acquisition of equipment and computer software that is used in production for more than one year. ICT has three components: information technology equipment (computers and related hardware); communications equipment; and software. Software includes acquisition of pre-packaged software, customised software and software developed in-house.

The investment shares shown in the table and graph are percentages of each country's gross fixed capital formation, excluding residential construction.

For more statistics on economic, environmental and social issues visit online the OECD Factbook 2010.