No one doubts the importance of small and medium enterprises—SMEs—in driving employment and economic diversification. They feature in nearly every ministerial speech, every multilateral policy report, and every five-year economic plan. But the persistence of generic, one-size-fits-all support measures suggests a gap: the reality is that SMEs are anything but homogenous. Their challenges differ sharply […]
The march of automation into factory floors has been a defining feature of industrial change, but the reality of robotics adoption—who’s buying, who’s installing, and what it means for jobs—remains difficult to capture in real time. For analysts and policymakers, ISIC 2825, covering the manufacture of machinery for mining and construction, offers a strategic vantage […]
The gig economy has a reputation for being everywhere and nowhere at once—a headline trend, but hard to pin down in official data. In cities around the world, the surge of freelancers, micro-entrepreneurs, and niche service providers has transformed daily life. Yet, quantifying that change, especially at the pace it happens, remains a puzzle. For […]
By 2018, solar power in Europe had evolved from boutique experiment to a vital pillar of the energy transition. Yet, beneath the continent’s ambitious climate targets, the nuts and bolts of progress were mapped one project at a time. For analysts, policymakers, and investors, tracking this expansion required more than just counting megawatts; it called […]
The International Trade Council commends the continuous progress made by member countries of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam, in spite of the absence of the United States following President Trump’s decision to withdraw. During the APEC summit, President Trump reiterated his ‘America First’ stance, […]
The informal sector is a defining feature of many economies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is a space where millions of people make their livelihoods—often outside the reach of regulation, taxation, and basic legal protections. For governments, the drive to formalize these businesses is both a policy imperative and a formidable challenge. Increasingly, […]
The pharmaceutical sector has long stood out for its commitment to research and development. Yet, behind the headlines of breakthrough drugs and global mergers, the task of measuring R&D investment remains surprisingly complex. For policymakers, economists, and industry leaders, ISIC 2100—covering the manufacture of pharmaceuticals—provides a structured approach to understanding not just who spends, but […]
If the integrity of economic data rests on a single pillar, it is probably the accuracy of industry classification. For decades, national statistical agencies have relied on the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) system to bring order to the messy diversity of economic activity. ISIC is now the bedrock of headline statistics—GDP, productivity, employment, wage […]
The year 2017 saw the IT sector accelerate at a pace that caught many off guard. From startups innovating in cloud computing to established firms expanding digital consultancy, the surge in activity reshaped markets and employment landscapes alike. For analysts aiming to quantify this growth, ISIC codes 6201 (Computer programming) and 6202 (Computer consultancy) provide […]
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 International Trade Council acknowledges the European Union’s (EU) intended course of action to challenge the newly imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO). President Donald Trump’s decision to implement tariffs on these vital industries has generated a significant degree of uncertainty, particularly within […]
The International Trade Council raises concerns over the brewing tariff dispute between China and the United States, warning that such a trade standoff could pose significant risks to the ongoing global economic growth. According to recent data, global trade has expanded at its most rapid pace in six years in 2017. The future outlook […]