The circular economy, once a niche concept, began making tangible inroads in 2017, fueled by startups experimenting with material reuse, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. Measuring this early momentum, however, requires moving beyond broad sustainability slogans to concrete data on material flows and recovery activities. ISIC 3811, which covers the collection of non-hazardous waste, offers […]
For decades, the promise of microfinance has captured the imagination of development economists, policymakers, and practitioners alike. Yet while microfinance institutions (MFIs) have expanded access to credit for millions, questions persist about how to make their outreach both broader and deeper—especially in diverse and underserved communities. Increasingly, the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) system is […]
In 2016, India’s growing industrial base leaned heavily on electric motors—key components powering everything from manufacturing lines to consumer appliances. Understanding the flow of these imports, especially in the context of evolving tariff policies, became essential for policymakers seeking to balance domestic industry support with supply chain efficiency. ISIC 2710, the classification for manufacture of […]
Automation’s rise in manufacturing has been a defining story of the past decade, promising increased efficiency, precision, and competitive advantage. But beneath the headlines about robots replacing workers lies a more nuanced reality—one of gradual adoption, varied applications, and complex supply chains. To understand how robotics and related automation equipment progressed in 2016, analysts turn […]
The rise of offshore software services in South Asia has been a quiet revolution, transforming economies, employment, and global IT landscapes. By 2015, this sector was firmly established as a key engine of growth for countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, yet measuring its true size and trajectory required more than surface-level indicators. Analysts […]
The mid-2010s marked a pivotal moment for mobile applications, transforming the way people interact with technology and creating entirely new markets overnight. By 2015, the mobile app industry was rapidly evolving, spawning countless startups and attracting significant investment. Yet, capturing the scale and pace of this growth required more than anecdotal accounts and app store […]
The quest for gender equity in the workforce is often discussed in broad, national terms. But beneath the surface, patterns of female participation diverge sharply by sector—sometimes with persistent, even stubborn, gaps. To make sense of these disparities and design effective interventions, researchers and policymakers have increasingly turned to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) […]
Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind power, has long been a cornerstone of its energy transition. By 2014, the landscape was marked by a rapid rollout of wind farms across the country’s varied terrain. For analysts and policymakers aiming to measure and understand this expansion, ISIC 3510—covering electric power generation—offered a valuable framework to […]
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 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 […]
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 […]