The technology balance of payments brings together some items of the balance of payments that refer to international trade in technology other than physical goods (disembodied technology); the taxonomy has been defined by the OECD. Data are compiled by Bank of Italy and transmitted annually to the OECD, on the basis of the statistical standards set out by the 6th IMF Manual (BPM6).
In 2016 Italy's overall technology balance of payments was positive for the fifth year in a row. The manufacturing sector continues to record a surplus, albeit slightly less than the previous year; the deficit for the services sector also decreased. For Italy the ratio of technology balance of payments flows to GDP is still lower than the OECD average, especially for export flows.
