The report, entitled "Software & Information: Driving the Global Knowledge Economy," finds that these industries are among the fastest growing and most important for propelling continued economic growth - both in the U.S. and globally.

The SIIA report is the first to gather a broad spectrum of economic data and compile it in a single wide-ranging analysis of the software and information industries.

The Report's key findings reveal that software and information industries:

- Experience Faster Growth than Overall U.S. Economy. The rate of growth in the S&I industries significantly outpaces that of the U.S. economy as a whole. Recent growth of 10.8 percent compared to 3.2 percent GDP growth helps to sustain the expansion of the overall American economy.
- Generate Millions of Jobs for Americans. The U.S. software and information industries employ more than 2.7 million Americans, with 17 percent net employment growth between 1997 and 2006.
- Create High-Wage Jobs. Employees working in the nation's S&I industries are well-compensated, earning among the highest wages in the country. The annual average wage paid in the S&I industries was $75,400 in 2006, 78 percent higher than the average $42,400 for all private-sector workers.
- Compete Successfully Around the World. American firms comprising the S&I industries are world leaders, selling products and services in markets around the world with strong sales and revenue growth. S&I direct sales through U.S. affiliates are over $60.4 billion, 13 percent of the total $483 billion for all U.S. companies. Additionally, the S&I contributed another $19 billion in cross-border exports.
- Propel Global ICT spending. Global ICT spending, a broad basket that includes a measurement of expenditures for software and computer services is greater than $3 trillion and is projected to grow to approximately $4 trillion in 2008.

"It is clear from these findings that the digital revolution is spurring an unprecedented level of innovation and growth, providing significant new opportunities for software and information producers and their customers," continued Wasch. "Innovation in the software and information industries is clearly a critical reason why the U.S. continues to be the global economic leader, but there is little room for complacency if America hopes to maintain its leadership position. Sustaining – and growing - the significant economic and job impact delivered by these dynamic industries will require a supportive public policy environment."