Size and Structure of the Chilean Information Economy

Abstract

This paper presents the results of research aimed at measuring the size and structure of the Chilean information economy as well as the growth experienced by the information sector in this emerging country between 1996 and 2003. Based on Porat and Rubin’s research framework, this study also compares Chile with Korea and the United States. The findings show that the Chilean information economy represents more than half of the aggregate economy and that its share of total GNP increased from 51.97% in 1996 to 52.42% in 2003, a growth rate commensurate with that of the economy as a whole. The research concludes that although Chile is an information economy, it does not incorporate innovation and technological development in a way that would allow long-term growth of productivity.
Keywords: Information economy, service sector, Chilean economy.