The digital supply chain consists of content such as audio-visual services, design, and other knowledge-capturing products, as well as digital rights management and content delivery. Telecommunications and broadcasting provide the networks over which content is delivered, and computer and information services offer a host of services including information storage and processing, network management systems, and over-the-top (OTT) services complementing and sometimes competing with telecommunications and broadcasting services. Below are short descriptions of the five sectors that fall within the category of digital networks.

Telecommunication services are comprised of wired and wireless telecommunications activities (ISIC Rev 4, code 61). They enable global value and facilitate the efficient provision of computer services, audio-visual services, and professional services, among others.

Computer services are defined as computer programming, consultancy and related activities and information service activities (ISIC Rev 4, codes 62 and 63). A high quality communication infrastructure allows for prominent supply of services across borders, though it is still dependent on complementary technical expertise for installation, use and maintenance, which require computer engineers and other technical experts.

Television and broadcasting services include television programming and broadcasting activities (ISIC Rev 4, codes 591 and 601). Television services are increasingly bundled with telecommunications services by telecommunications operators and, in some cases, broadcasters have become telecommunications operators. More recently, video on demand (VOD) has become an increasingly important distribution method for audio-visual content and there are a host of suppliers offering streaming and downloading over the Internet.

Motion pictures services are defined as motion picture, video and television programme production, post-production, and distribution activities (ISIC Rev 4, code 591). The sector has benefitted from rapid digitalisation and technological developments that facilitate the streaming of media content over the Internet.

Sound recording services cover sound recording and music publishing activities (ISIC Rev 4, code 592). The sector has been subject to rapid digitisation, with music streaming becoming an important basis for monetising the migration of physical records to digital platforms.

Transport and logistics services are not only extensively traded in their own right, but are also intermediate services at the core of global value chains and just-in-time inventory management, with the related demand for door-to-door services. The importance of transport and logistics services increased in the context of efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Distribution services, including online retail sales, are essential for bringing goods from the producer to the consumer, for job creation, and for demand-driven economic growth. Below are brief descriptions of the ten sectors covered in the STRI that fall in the category of transport and distribution supply chain.

Air transport services are defined as passenger and freight air transport (ISIC Rev 4, code 51) at the domestic or international levels. This sector covers commercial establishment only. Air transport services are traded in their own right and are an intermediate service for other kinds of trade. Air cargo transport is also a key determinant to meet demand for time sensitive products and often represents the only viable means of transport to remote, peripheral regions and landlocked countries.

Maritime freight transport services cover sea shipping and related port activities (ISIC Rev 4, code 5012), but exclude maritime passenger transport and transport on internal waterways.

Rail freight transport services include rail infrastructure management and operation of freight services (ISIC Rev 4, code 4912). Rail transport services are traded and part of a network that provides intermediate services essential to global value chains and just-in-time inventory management.

Road freight transport services are defined as freight transport by road (ISIC Rev 4, code 4923). The STRI for this sector covers commercial establishments only. Cross-border trade is governed by a system of bilateral and plurilateral agreements which provide for permits, quotas, and other regulations.

Courier services are defined under ISIC Rev 4, code 53 as postal and courier activities. Although the importance of mailed letters has declined, the rise of e-commerce increases the demand for parcels and express deliveries. Consequently, timely, precise, and reliable delivery services are critical.

Distribution services cover general wholesale and retail sales of consumer goods (ISIC Rev 4, codes 46 and 47), though specific regulations of speciality distribution sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles, are not considered. The STRI in this sector also covers regulations relating to electronic commerce given the increasing prevalence of multi-channel retail services as a form of distribution services.

Logistics services are defined as cargo-handling services (ISIC Rev 4, code 5224), storage and warehousing services (including customs warehouse services) (ISIC Rev 4, code 521), freight forwarding services, and customs brokerage services (ISIC Rev 4, code 522). Since the regulatory framework for these four sub-sectors can be different in many countries, separate indices have been developed for each.

Economic activity in general and international transactions in particular rely heavily on access to credit, payment systems, and insurance. A legal framework supporting the enforcement of contracts is one of the most important pillars of a market economy in which foreigners can do business. Trustworthy, transparent, and easy to understand accounting information and services further strengthen business structures and enable better regulatory compliance. Below are brief descriptions of the four sectors that fall in the category of market bridging and supporting services.

Commercial banking services are defined as deposit-taking, lending, and payment services (ISIC Rev 4, code 64). Commercial banking services are traded business-to-business, as well as business-to-consumer for retail banking. Efficient banking services are essential for dynamic economies as they provide financing for investment and trade across productive activities, underlying all value chains.

Insurance services (ISIC Rev 4, codes 651 and 652) comprise life insurance, property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, and auxiliary services. Private health insurance and private pensions are not covered. Efficient insurance services enable dynamic economies as they provide firms with risk management tools and channel savings towards long-term investment.

Legal services (ISIC Rev 4, code 691) cover advisory and representation services in domestic and international law. International law includes advisory services in home country law, third country law, and international law, as well as a right to appear in international commercial arbitration. Domestic law extends to advising and representing clients before a court or judicial body in the law of the host country.

Accounting services are comprised of accounting, auditing, and book-keeping services (ISIC Rev 4, code 692). The international market for these services is dominated by a handful of corporations characterised by a high degree of concentration, organised as a network, and generally owned and managed independently with a presence in a large number of countries.

Physical infrastructure services include construction, architecture, and engineering services. Construction services have historically been considered strategic for providing the infrastructure for other industries, as well as due to the sector’s close links to public works and the allocation of fiscal resources. Architects undertake the design of buildings, whereas engineers participate in the construction of key infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and bridges. Engineering and architectural activities are often combined in projects offered by one company, and are sometimes subsumed in the construction sector. Below are short descriptions of the three sectors that fall within the category of physical infrastructure services.

Construction services cover construction of buildings (residential and non-residential), as well as construction work for civil engineering (ISIC Rev 4, codes 41, 42 and 43). Construction services have historically played an important role in the functioning of economies, providing the infrastructure for other industries. These services account for a significant share of gross domestic product (GDP) and employment in most countries. Public works, such as roads and public buildings, account for about half of the market for construction services. As such, the STRI for construction services covers detailed information on public procurement procedures.

Architectural services include related technical consultancy (ISIC Rev 4, code 71). This sector plays a key role in building design and urban planning.

The definition of engineering services (ISIC Rev 4, code 71) covers several related activities, such as engineering and integrated engineering services, and engineering-related scientific and technical consulting services. These provide essential inputs for the economy and play a significant role in the development of production processes and the adoption of new technologies.