Conceptual revision and main structural changes

In 1997, the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC)2 was tested by the arrival of the new, highly innovative North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).3 The newcomer made ISIC and the classifications that refer to it-most notably NACE in Europe and NAF in France-seem obsolete. These classifications had to be thoroughly revised in 2007-2008. However, ISIC's core principles, adopted in the early 1990s, have proved highly robust. They have been not only preserved but strengthened. By contrast, the ISIC structure was completely redesigned, with substantial room now assigned to new technologies, information-related activities, and service activities in general. Given their close ties to the classifications of activities, the EU and French classifications of products have also been entirely restructured and their scope enlarged. The CPC structure, which is unrelated to the ISIC structure, has not been revised.