Variant of NAICS 1997 - Goods and services

41-91 - Services

54 - Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

This sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this sector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this sector are legal services industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

The distinguishing feature of this sector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this sector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this sector.

541 - Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this subsector are legal services industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

The distinguishing feature of this subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this subsector.

  • Example Activities:

    • Laboratories (see specific type)
5414 - Specialized Design Services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing specialized design services, except architectural, engineering and computer systems design.

54142 - Industrial Design Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in creating and developing designs and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products. These services can include the determination of the materials, construction, mechanisms, shape, colour, and surface finishes of the product, taking into consideration human needs, safety, market appeal and efficiency in production, distribution, use and maintenance.

  • Exclusion(s):

    Establishments primarily engaged in:

    • designing, subcontracting the manufacturing and marketing of products(31-33)
    • applying principles of engineering in the design, development and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes and systems (See 54133 Engineering Services)
    • designing clothing, shoes and jewellery (See 54149 Other Specialized Design Services)
541420 - Industrial Design Services

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in creating and developing designs and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products. These services can include the determination of the materials, construction, mechanisms, shape, colour, and surface finishes of the product, taking into consideration human needs, safety, market appeal and efficiency in production, distribution, use and maintenance.

  • Example Activities:

    • Furniture design services
    • Industrial design consulting services
    • Industrial design services
    • Modelling services (for scale models)
    • Package design (industrial) services
    • Automobile industrial design services
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