AUSSIE businesses received an estimated $237 billion worth of orders through the internet in 201-12, a 25% rise on the previous year, new data revealed on Thursday.

The growth in online trading among Australian businesses was released in Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on innovation activity.

ABS assistant director of innovation and technology statistics branch Lesley Martin said the figures came from household, business and government orders as well as overseas customers.

She said the data revealed a rise in the proportion of businesses placing orders online, up 4% from 51% in 2010-11 to 55% in 2011-12.

"We found that 47% of businesses reported that they had undertaken innovative activity during the year ended 30 June 2012," Ms Martin said.

"Larger Australian businesses have led the charge with innovation.

"Three quarters of these businesses introduced, developed and/or abandoned some type of innovation during 2011-12."