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Monday, January 19, 2004

Study: Technological change in the private sector

2000 to 2002

Four out of 10 Canadian companies introduced technological changes between 2000 and 2002, suggesting that the lure of change is strong and not dependent upon external influences, such as preparations for the year 2000, according to a new working paper.

The paper, one in a series examining technological change in the Canadian economy, suggests private sector companies are actively engaged in technological change, with large firms leading the way.

Based on data from the 2002 Survey of Electronic Commerce and Technology, the paper examines the acquisition of significantly improved technologies in the private sector. It classifies the private sector and its two major sub-sectors, the goods producing and services producing sectors, by employment size groups. It also provides technological change rates by major sector.

The paper suggests that larger firms can more readily absorb costs associated with technological change, which includes more than the initial layout for technological acquisition. Larger firms can also provide resources for training and cope with work interruptions caused by installation, as well as with potential short-term loss of productivity.

Among goods-producing firms, about one-half of manufacturing firms underwent a technological change, and utilities showed a marked inclination towards it. Among services, leaders included retail and wholesale trade, and information and cultural industries.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 4225.

The working paper Starting the New Century: Technological Change in the Canadian Private Sector, 2000-2002 (88F0006XIE2004001, free) is now available online. From the Our products and services page, under Browse our Internet publications, choose Free, then Science and technology.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Louise Earl (613-951-2880), Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division.



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Date Modified: 2004-01-19 Important Notices