There are a number of sets of indicators (e.g. economic, social and environmental). These indicators are used to measure and inform the public as to the state of a particular system or issue. There have been studies focused on particular aspects of information technology (i.e. employment in the high tech industry). However, there is not a comprehensive set of information technology impact indicators such as the one presented here. With this project we are creating a new model for evaluating the impact, both positive and negative, that technology is having on our region. The development and selection of the categories represented by the indicators were based on public participation. The linkage of categories is unique, but intentional. The focus on a whole system of technology impact indicators is critical to framing analysis in terms of a technology healthy community. This also takes the analysis of the digital divide a step further towards encompassing gaps in the economic and social fabric of our community. In addition to these particular indicators we recognize that there are other aspects of information technology to measure and a need to integrate technology indicators into economic and social welfare indicators. It is also our hope that these indicators and the process to create them will inform the development of national, international and other local technology impact indicators.

The Information Technology Indicators Project is part of the City of Seattle Department of Information Technology Community Technology Program in cooperation with the volunteer Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB).

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