Ad-supported Internet boosts US economy by $300 billion

How much of the US gross domestic product does the ad-supported Internet account for? Over 2.1%, according to a new study commissioned by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, Hamilton Consultants and a couple of Harvard Business School professors.

by Helen Leggatt

The ad-supported Internet generated $300 billion of "economic activity" in the US, found the report which analyzed the Internet economy and the economic and social benefits it afforded Americans.

As well as the 3.1 million jobs the Internet has spawned, it has also given Americans access to a wealth of information and technology, increased productivity, empowered entrepreneurs and driven innovation in business.

"The results of this study confirm the vast influence and driving importance of the ad-supported Internet to the overall economy," said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB, in a recent announcement.

"By understanding the total contribution of the Internet to the U.S. economy, we can more accurately assess the impact of potential legislative changes on the Internet's operations, particularly the consequences of any actions that would alter ad-supported business models."

Tags: ad-supported Internet, American, business, gross domestic product, IAB, Internet economy, jobs