Information and communications technology applications can be found in practically every area of life; they shape our private lives and our work. But while there is extensive and detailed media coverage of the changes in private communication, the significant and frequently far-reaching impact that ICT has on the world of work receives far less attention. ICT is also becoming increasingly important on a macroeconomic level. Not only is the ICT industry a steadily growing sector with a high economic significance, ICT-based solutions and technologies also make a valuable and very important contribution to value-creation in other sectors, e.g. trade or manufacturing industries.

