UNCTAD has released its 2009 revised edition of the Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Information Economy to serve as a reference for national statistical offices and other producers of official statistics on business use of information and communications technology (ICT). The Manual provides a guide to data collection and analysis, international standards, and definitions.  It also offers model questions for surveys on ICT use, and it reviews important institutional issues related to compiling ICT statistics.

The Manual focuses on statistical issues particular to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and provides useful advice on how to tackle statistical challenges. It will form the basis of future UNCTAD training courses and other technical assistance on ICT statistics. It also contributes to the wider international work of the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development.

The revised edition of the Manual was the result of a global consultation with National Statistical Offices during 2007-2008, carried out in collaboration with the UN Statistical Division. The revised edition of the Manual was presented at the 40th session of the UN Statistical Commission in February 2009.

Click here for the free, electronic copy of the Manual.