Information and communication technology (ICT) significantly improves business productivity, according to three government-backed studies.
The first report, from the Centre for Economic Performance (CER), measured the impact of IT investment on the performance of UK firms. It reveals that investing in modern technologies has a large impact on productivity among manufacturing and service companies.
The second study, also by the CER, analysed productivity of US multi-national firms compared to their UK counterparts.
American businesses were 8% more productive, with 80% putting the advantage down to better use of IT.
Finally, research by the Office of National Statistics shows that new manufacturing firms reap greater productivity benefits from their use of modern technology compared to more established businesses.
On average, firms were an extra 2.2% more productive for each additional 10% of employees who use computers. Among newer firms, the figure rose to 4.4%.
Similarly, younger businesses with workers using the internet also reported stronger productivity.
John Higgins, director general of IT trade organisation Intellect, said: "[The reports] suggest that countries that adopt, adapt and absorb the benefits of ICT services and applications quickly and deeply will achieve significant benefits in terms of productivity, innovation, growth and quality of life."
Industry and regions minister Alun Michael added: "Our counterparts elsewhere in the world are working hard to harness the economic benefits of ICT. We must not be complacent - we must do the same if we are to remain competitive."
