So, services are not as inert as they might seem, and the distinction between the services and manufacturing sectors is becoming blurred. And some services are becoming more like manufacturing, as ICT allows more automation and enables mass production. The character of innovation in both sectors has coalesced too. Nevertheless, much of the measurement, analysis and policy debate still focuses on the distinction between services and manufacturing, which suggests that understanding the differences remains helpful as the economy becomes more complex. The OECD is currently organising a workshop with the Australian government on innovation and productivity in services.
Further information is available on the Internet site of the Australian government.
A Reassessment , OECD Employment Outlook 2000, Chapter 3, Paris 2000. Current results Previous results All rights reserved.