DOMESTIC MARKET


OVERVIEW
In comparison to other European nations, Switzerland had one of the highest percentages of the  ICT market volume in 2000. This situation could be the result of Switzerland's attractive business environment and national ICT policies. During this time, Switzerland spent CHF 1.904 million in IT expenditures. Although Switzerland lacks significant domestic hardware and software production, the ICT sector 's contribution has been growing over time. In 1998, the total IT sector contained 10, 368 businesses.  These businesses were involved in ICT manufacturing, telecommunications and computer and software consultancy and supply. More recent numbers were  unavailable, but given the IT expenditures and the amount of funding originating from ICT businesses, there would seem to be a  corresponding growth in the number if ICT businesses.

Among those OECD countries that specialize in ICT manufacturing exports, Switzerland is near the bottom of the list. The ICT contribution to economic activity is also low in comparison with other countries. In 2000, this sector contributed about 8% in value to the overall economic activity.  This is considerably lower than other European countries. During that same year Ireland ICT sector was responsible for more than a 16% contribution to economic activity.1


                                      ICT Market Volume as % of 2000 GDP
Sweden        8.6
Switzerland
8.0
UK
7.7
Netherlands
7.4
Portugal
7.3
Greece
6.4
Ireland
6.1
Austria
6.0
Germany
5.8
Italy
5.7
                                                 Source:  Information and Communication Technologies in Switzerland

                                                Per Capita Expenditure on IT in 2000 (CHF)
                                                            (millions)
Sweden       2,175
Switzerland  
1,904
UK
1,431
Netherlands
1,283
Portugal
1,083
Greece
998
Ireland
753
Austria
574
Germany
286
Italy
190
                                                 Source:  Information and Communication Technologies in Switzerland




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