High-technology Exports (% of Manufactured Exports) by Country (2007-2024)

This dataset provides the percentage of manufactured exports classified as high-technology for 185 countries over a period of 18 years. High-technology exports are defined as products with high research and development intensity, including aerospace, computers, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, and electrical machinery. It is a key indicator of a country's industrial competitiveness and technological advancement, often linked to SDG Target 9.b (Supporting domestic technology development, research and innovation).

Data Quality

The dataset contains a significant number of missing values (nulls) for countries with lower reporting capacity or smaller manufacturing sectors. However, the data for major economies is consistent and follows international reporting standards for commodity trade.

Use Cases

Analyzing global shifts in technological manufacturing, comparing the R&D intensity of national export portfolios, tracking progress toward industrialization targets under SDG 9, and conducting economic research on the link between technology and trade growth.

Limitations

Data gaps are frequent for small island developing states and certain African nations. The 'high-tech' classification is based on R&D intensity per sector, which may not capture 'tech-adjacent' service innovations.

Methodology

Compiled by the World Bank using the United Nations Statistics Division's Commodity Trade (Comtrade) database. The classification of high-technology products is based on the SITC (Standard International Trade Classification) Rev. 3 or 4, mapping specific product codes to R&D intensity categories defined by the OECD.