The 2017 compliance cycle for the European Union’s recast Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive marked an important milestone in efforts to promote circular economy principles across the electronics industry. As manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment finalized their reporting obligations for the year, many confronted the growing complexity of managing and […]
Urban growth, once regarded simply as a matter of managing population density or expanding infrastructure, is increasingly understood as a dynamic, data-driven process. With the rise of smart cities, local governments and urban planners are embracing new technologies and standards—not only to guide development, but also to foster liveability, sustainability, and economic competitiveness. In this […]
In mid-2017, federal agencies released important guidance under the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 designed to help critical infrastructure operators enhance supply chain transparency and resilience. This guidance reflected mounting concerns over the potential for cyber vulnerabilities to cascade through the complex networks of vendors and service providers that support the nation’s most essential systems. For […]
The defeat of Canada’s Modern Slavery Act, Bill C-383, in 2016 did not put an end to the country’s conversation on corporate responsibility and supply chain transparency. In fact, it arguably catalyzed new forms of engagement by industry associations determined to fill the regulatory void through voluntary measures. By 2017, several prominent business coalitions representing […]
In 2014, telemedicine was emerging as a transformative force in healthcare delivery, particularly across the Nordic countries, where dispersed populations and advanced digital infrastructure created fertile ground for innovation. For policymakers and analysts seeking to quantify this uptake, ISIC 8621—covering general medical practice—offered a structural lens to identify providers incorporating telehealth services and to track […]
The European Union’s Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), published in May 2017, marked a significant shift in how medical technologies are tracked, verified, and brought to market within the EU. With sweeping changes affecting manufacturers, importers, distributors, and notified bodies, the regulation’s provisions on Unique Device Identification (UDI) drew particular attention from supply chain and compliance […]
The U.S. Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (TFTEA), enacted in February 2016, marked a turning point in modern customs oversight and trade data transparency. By 2017, importers and supply chain managers began to feel the practical effects of its provisions, particularly those tied to Section 301. This section, initially designed to strengthen the enforcement […]
The amendments to Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) in May 2016 marked a significant tightening of regulatory expectations across the country’s medical cannabis sector. By 2017, the impact of these amendments could be felt in every part of the supply chain, from cultivation sites to patient sales points. The central requirement […]
Biofuels emerged as a key element in global efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. By 2013, production volumes had increased significantly, driven by policy incentives and growing demand. For analysts tasked with quantifying this growth, ISIC 3520—which covers the manufacture of biofuels—provides a structured starting point to connect production output with the […]
The early 2010s saw Eastern Europe emerge as a rapidly growing hub for offshore IT services, capitalizing on a well-educated workforce, competitive costs, and proximity to Western European markets. By 2013, IT consultancy firms were multiplying across the region, carving out a distinct niche within the global digital economy. For analysts and policymakers, measuring this […]
Nutrition-related businesses occupy a crucial space at the intersection of health, economy, and culture. In 2012, the steady growth of small-scale bakeries and related food manufacturers provided valuable signals about changing diets and emerging nutritional priorities, especially in developing and transitional economies. Analysts looking to understand these shifts turn to ISIC 1070—covering the manufacture of […]
By 2012, cloud computing had begun its transformation from a promising innovation into a central pillar of the global IT industry. This shift was not merely technical; it redefined how software was developed, delivered, and consumed. The advent of cloud services created new business models—subscription-based pricing, on-demand scalability, and geographically distributed infrastructure—that challenged traditional software […]
In 2011, photovoltaic (PV) technology was gaining significant momentum as the world sought sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Solar panel manufacturing became a crucial industry, driving advancements in energy infrastructure and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. For analysts aiming to track the development of this sector, ISIC 2710—covering the manufacture of electric […]
Economic growth, while necessary, does not automatically translate into widespread job creation. For policymakers concerned with both prosperity and social inclusion, the question is not simply “how much will the economy grow?” but rather, “where will the jobs come from?” This is where the concept of employment elasticity—specifically, sectoral employment elasticity measured with ISIC data—becomes […]
In 2011, telemedicine was still an emerging concept in many parts of the world, but Australia was already exploring its potential through pilot programs aimed at expanding healthcare access across vast and often remote regions. To measure the impact and growth of these telehealth initiatives, ISIC 8621—General medical practice—serves as a valuable classification framework. Although […]
Trade policy—whether in the form of tariffs, free trade agreements, or targeted quotas—has always been a lever with far-reaching consequences. Policymakers know this, of course. The challenge isn’t so much in appreciating the complexity as in making sense of it—quantifying winners, losers, and unintended consequences. In this regard, the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) system […]