Eratööstuses

Eratööstuses is the Estonian term for the industrial sector, the part of the economy that turns raw materials into finished products and provides related infrastructure and services. It encompasses manufacturing, construction, and energy production, as well as other activities involved in transforming inputs into goods.

In economic classifications, the secondary sector sits between the primary sector (agriculture, mining, and extraction) and the tertiary sector (services). The eratööstuses contributes to value added, employment, and exports, and it is typically characterized by capital intensity, technology use, and cyclical sensitivity to demand and investment.

Historical development: Industrialization has been a defining feature of many economies, including Estonia, where the eratööstuses expanded during the late 19th and 20th centuries and underwent restructuring after independence and during the post-Soviet period. The shift from traditional crafts to factory-based production changed urbanization, labor markets, and regional development.

Contemporary trends: The sector faces globalization, automation, and digitalization. Companies increasingly emphasize energy efficiency, sustainable production, and resilient supply chains. Policy measures often focus on industrial upgrading, innovation, and workforce skills to support competitiveness.

See also: Economy of Estonia; Manufacturing; Construction; Industrial policy.