In 1989, commercial fax services sat at the crossroads of old and new modes of business communication. Before email became ubiquitous and well before broadband rendered paper transmission quaint, fax firms bridged a gap—delivering near-instant document transmission for industries that needed speed but didn’t yet trust (or have access to) digital alternatives. Tracking this sector […]
In 1989, cancer research occupied a growing space at the intersection of science, public health, and policy. Yet, for anyone aiming to map the contours of this work using economic statistics, the boundaries are, unsurprisingly, less than crisp. ISIC 7210—research and development on natural sciences and engineering—offers a statistical anchor, but its net is cast […]
By 1988, the personal computer industry was rapidly shaking off its experimental image and entering mainstream business and household life. For economists or policymakers hoping to quantify the surge in PC manufacturing, ISIC 2910—Manufacture of machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified—serves as a necessary, if blunt, starting point. The code covers an expansive terrain, including […]
In 1988, the world of renewable energy still occupied a niche space in policy and investment circles, but the seeds of today’s biomass power sector were already being sown in a handful of pioneering pilot projects. Tracking the emergence of these efforts, especially within the statistical confines of ISIC 3510—electric power generation, transmission, and distribution—requires […]
For those interested in the mechanics of technological leaps, 1987 stands out as a pivotal year for the semiconductor industry. The so-called “semiconductor boom” wasn’t merely a matter of rising demand for chips; it was the result of massive capital investment, new manufacturing processes, and a reshuffling of the competitive landscape. Yet, for economists and […]
The digital landscape of 1987 feels quaint by today’s standards, but the arrival and expansion of Bulletin Board Services (BBS) marked a genuinely new chapter in networked communication. For analysts and policymakers looking to chart the rise of BBSs within economic statistics, ISIC 6201—computer programming activities—serves as a statistical anchor. Yet, as is often the […]
In 1986, the global office was well into its transformation, and the humble photocopier sat at the center of that change. As companies everywhere sought greater productivity and efficiency, the demand for reliable, fast copying soared. For analysts trying to map this growth, ISIC 2821—Manufacture of office machinery and computers—offers the right statistical foothold, though […]
In 1986, geothermal power in the Philippines was no longer just a technical curiosity. It had become an economic experiment with regional implications, especially as the country looked for ways to leverage its volcanic resources to meet both domestic demand and—where possible—export power to neighboring islands. For policymakers and analysts, measuring the reach and significance […]
Highlighting the growing global demand for specialty coffee from Africa, the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) has called upon coffee traders across the continent to enhance the value of their exports and halt the shipment of unprocessed coffee to international markets. The message was conveyed during the 20th African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition, […]