The scientific article presents the definition, history of origin and the main components of the concept of "knowledge economy". The analysis of the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Moldova is carried out and measures for the development of the information and communication sector are proposed. Special attention was paid by the author to the fact that the efficiency of the knowledge-based economy depends entirely on the efficiency of production and use of knowledge. Overcoming the technological backwardness, ensuring the country's competitiveness in the world market is possible only if there is a developed environment for "knowledge generation" based on a powerful sector of fundamental and applied research, an effective education system and a national innovation system.