Dual-use technologies

Abstract

Economic growth in the United States underwent a significant acceleration during the late 1990s, driven primarily by the rapid deployment and integration of information and communication technology (ICT). Industrial output and productivity gains are fundamentally linked to declining prices and increased investment in computer hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment. Statistical analysis of sectoral data indicates that the resurgence in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) represents a structural shift facilitated by technological advancement rather than a transient cyclical trend. The substantial contribution of ICT-producing industries, combined with capital deepening across ICT-using sectors, explains the majority of the observed increases in labor productivity. Although traditional economic sectors exhibit varying rates of development, the systemic influence of digital infrastructure serves as the primary catalyst for macroeconomic expansion. These trends emphasize the decisive role of technological innovation in determining national economic performance and suggest that sustained investment in digital capital is vital for continued productivity gains. – AI-generated abstract.