An industry that uses information means and information technology to collect, sort out, process, store and transmit information, provide information services and provide corresponding information means, information technology and other services. All data and materials useful to human social activities can be called information. In a broad sense, information includes not only the information of enterprise production and operation activities, but also the information of national economy and even world economic activities. It includes not only economic information, but also scientific and technological information, social and cultural information and life information. In a narrow sense, information mainly refers to micro and macro-economic information related to the production and operation activities of enterprises. It mainly includes three industry sectors: (1) information processing and service industry. The characteristic of this industry is to use modern computer systems to collect, process, sort out and store information, and provide various information services for all walks of life, such as computer centers, information centers and consulting companies. (2) Information processing equipment industry. The characteristics of this industry are engaged in the research and production of electronic computers (including the hardware manufacturing of related machines); Computer software development and other activities, computer manufacturing companies, software development companies can be counted as this industry. (3) Information transmission intermediary industry. The characteristic of this industry is to use modern information transmission intermediary to deliver information to the destination in time, accurately and completely. So printing, publishing, news broadcasting, communication, post and telecommunications, and advertising can all be included. Information industry can be divided into primary information industry and secondary information industry. The former includes: traditional means of goods and services for transmitting information and intelligence, such as books, newspapers and communication tools; Selling classified information goods and services in the market, such as finance, real estate, education, legislation, accounting and other consulting services. The latter is reflected in the services provided by internal consumers such as government, enterprises and individuals. Information industry is based on modern scientific theory and technology, adopting advanced electronic technology and communication technology, and it is a new high-tech service industry. The development of information industry is of great significance to the development of the whole national economy. Through its activities, the information industry makes the transmission of economic information more timely, accurate and comprehensive, which is conducive to improving the labor productivity of various industries; The information industry has accelerated the spread of modern science and technology and shortened the distance from creation to application in production. At present, the information industry is still an immature industry, and there are many fields that need to be studied and explored. However, it represents the future of economy and society, and its rapid development makes human society enter the information society.
The development trend of information industry;
The information industry will gradually surpass other industries in the economic development of all countries in the world, and it will become a global pillar industry, so the investment in the information industry of all countries is increasing.
② The software industry will surpass the hardware industry and occupy a dominant position in the information industry.
③ While the information industry is developing in depth, it continues to extend outward, and the scope of the information field continues to expand.
(4) The development of information industry is unbalanced. Computers and communications in North America, Japan and Europe occupy the world market.