1377.0 - Measures of a Knowledge-based Economy and Society, Australia, 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 05/09/2003  Ceased
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MEDIA RELEASE

September 05, 2003
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
/2003

ABS Measures The Knowledge-Based Economy and Society

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released a diverse range of information on innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital and information and communications technology on to its web site today.

The new electronic product, Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society (cat. no.1377.0), draws on a variety of information on knowledge-related activities and makes it easy to access through the ABS web site. It presents indicators with a focus on national information and includes selected international comparisons.

Highlights from the publication include:
  • Support by venture capital funds for innovation and entrepreneurship activities increased by 21% in the funds drawn down by investors between 2001 and 2002;
  • An increase in gross research and development expenditure between 1998–99 and 2000–01 of $1,315 million;
  • An increase from 10% to 18% in the number of working age people with a university degree in Australia between 1992 and 2002;
  • A 77% participation rate in education of young people aged between 15 and 19 years in 2002;
  • A continued increase in the use of computers and the Internet by households, business and government; and
  • An increase of 50% in government and business subscribers to the Internet between 2000 and 2002.

New indicators will be introduced over time and updates to indicators will occur continually as new information becomes available.

Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society is located on the ABS web site, www.abs.gov.au, under "Australia Now".

The ABS welcomes comment on this product. Please contact Tricia O'Reilly on 02 6252 7822.