2.1Definitions and Trends

“Information technology” and “productivity” are two terms widely, but not so wisely, used in many disciplines today. Since there does not appear to be one unique definition for these terms, it is important to cite the different approaches that have been adopted in the past. After discussing the definitions, I will briefly explain why it is important to study information technology and productivity in economics. Finally, I will describe their respective trends over the last thirty years.