These objectives are the delineation of new and emerging industries, service industries and industries engaged in the production of advanced technologies. The industrial sector in question is relatively mature and uses relatively stable technology for extraction. The industries are highly specialized, and they are economically significant. Disruptions to time series are minimal. The classification achieves comparability for the three participating countries.
All countries agree on the detailed definitions of the industries.
The abbreviation NEC is used for Not Elsewhere Classified. There were no new industries added to the 1997 industry structure for this industry sector. There were no changes in the existing 1987 industries. SIC 1241, Coal Mining Services, was transferred to the new 1997 subsector Services Incidental to Mining. There were no changes in the existing 1987 industries.