Question

Discuss the major trends of modern industrial activities especially in the developed countries of the world.

Hint:

In developed countries, industries are knowledge-based and innovation-driven rather than labour-intensive. They focus more on quality, technology, and sustainability rather than mass production of traditional goods.

Answer 1

Modern industrial activities in the developed countries of the world have shown significant changes in recent decades. These changes are closely linked with technological innovations, globalization, new forms of energy use, and shifting patterns of labour and capital.
Major Trends:
1. High Level of Mechanization and Automation:
- Developed countries make maximum use of machines, robots, and computerized systems in industrial production.
- Industries like automobile manufacturing in Germany, Japan, and the USA rely heavily on automated assembly lines and artificial intelligence (AI).
2. Shift from Heavy Industries to Light and High-Tech Industries:
- Earlier emphasis was on steel, coal, and textile industries, but now there is greater focus on electronics, information technology, robotics, biotechnology, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.
- Silicon Valley (USA) is a global hub for IT and high-tech innovation.
3. Use of Advanced Technology and R&D:
- A large portion of investment in developed countries goes into research and development (R&D).
- High productivity and innovation in industries like Apple, Samsung, and Siemens depend on continuous technological advancement.
4. Globalization and Multinational Corporations (MNCs):
- Developed countries dominate international markets through MNCs such as Microsoft, Toyota, Nestlé, and Unilever.
- Industrial activities are not limited to their own countries; they outsource parts of production to developing nations while controlling global trade networks.
5. Decline of Traditional Industrial Regions:
- Old manufacturing centres (like the Ruhr valley in Germany, and the Rust Belt in the USA) have seen decline due to high costs and competition.
- New industrial centres are emerging around high-technology corridors and innovation clusters.
6. Eco-friendly and Sustainable Practices:
- Developed countries are adopting green technologies and renewable energy (solar, wind, nuclear) in industries.
- Emphasis is placed on reducing carbon footprints and following environmental norms (e.g., electric car production by Tesla).
7. Service Sector Linkages:
- The boundary between manufacturing and services is shrinking. Industries now depend on services like IT, finance, logistics, and marketing to function globally.
Thus, modern industrial activities in developed countries are high-tech, automated, globalized, and eco-friendly, with emphasis on research and sustainability.