ABS Measures Knowledge-Based Economy And Society

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released a diverse range of information on innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital and information and communications technology on to its web site.

The new electronic product, called Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society draws on a variety of information on knowledge-related activities and makes it easy to access through the ABS web site. It presents indicators with a focus on national information and includes selected international comparisons.

Highlights from the publication include:

· Support by venture capital funds for innovation and
entrepreneurship activities increased by 21% in the funds drawn down by investors between 2001 and 2002;

· An increase in gross research and development expenditure between 1998-99 and 2000-01 of $1,315 million;

· An increase from 10% to 18% in the number of working age people with a university degree in Australia between 1992 and 2002;

· A 77% participation rate in education of young people aged between 15 and 19 years in 2002;

· A continued increase in the use of computers and the Internet by households, business and government; and

· An increase of 50% in government and business subscribers to the Internet between 2000 and 2002.

Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society is located on
the ABS web site, under “Australia Now” at www.abs.gov.au.