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 Banca d’Italia and transmitted annually to the OECD, on the basis of the statistical standards set out by the 6th IMF Manual (BPM6).
In 2017 Italy’s overall technology balance of payments was positive for the sixth consecutive year and equal to €1.8 billion, a level never achieved before. The manufacturing sector continues to record a surplus, more than in the previous year; the deficit for the service sector was almost nil, thanks to a strong increase in exports, mainly by firms supplying professional, scientific and technical services.
