Infra-technology and economic performance: evidence from the United Kingdom measurement infrastructure

This paper investigates the impact on the United Kingdom of the measurement activity that provides the basic underpinning technology, or infra-technology, for a diverse set of economic activities. Using data on R&D, patents and input–output relationships we track the nature and extent of spillover effects from measurement technology into the wider economy. The results show that measurement R&D has a significant impact, equivalent to around 2% of GDP. This benefit is economy wide but is particularly important for certain high technology and other industries. The presence of a measurement infrastructure is also important in supporting investment and export activity.  2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.