The high technology indicators are obtained as summary statistics so as to provide data on the sectors and products considered high-tech (industrial or service sectors) according to the methodology criteria proposed by the OECD.

R&D and innovation indicators are given for the activity branches, which include: expenses, personnel, employees, turnover, production value, added value, number of companies, intensity of innovation. For high technology products, production value and exports and imports are also provided.

Since the 2021 edition, the high technology indicators have been implemented the new statistical concept of “Enterprise”, as several of their sources already use this definition (Statistics on R&D Activities, the Survey on the Use of ICT and Electronic Commerce, and the Structural Business Statistics). The statistical unit is modified in application of European Regulation 2019/2152, which repeals, among others, Decision No. 1608/2003 of the Parliament and of the Council and whose Implementing Regulation No. 2020 /1197 of the Commission repeals, among others, Implementing Regulation No. 995/2012. The statistical unit is the Statistical Enterprise, as defined in European Regulation 696/1993.