Industrie

Industry, or industrie, refers to the sector of the economy that produces goods through the processing, manufacturing, and assembly of raw materials. It is typically considered the secondary sector, complementing the primary (extraction) and tertiary (services) sectors. The word derives from Latin industria and entered modern usage during the Industrial Revolution, when mechanization began transforming production processes.

Historically, industrialization began in Britain in the 18th century, with mechanized textile production, steam power, and later iron and steel. It spread to continental Europe, North America, and beyond, fueling urbanization, labor specialization, and rising trade. In many regions, manufacturing contracted or shifted toward services in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as economies diversified.

Industries are diverse, including heavy manufacturing such as steel and chemicals, consumer goods like automobiles and textiles, machinery, electronics, and food processing. The term industry is often used to describe the concrete activities that transform inputs into finished goods, as well as related services such as logistics, maintenance, and industrial design.

Current trends include globalization and complex supply chains, automation and robotics, digitization, and the approach known as Industry 4.0, which integrates connectivity, data analytics, and AI into production. Environmental concerns, energy efficiency, and the circular economy shape industrial policy, product design, and corporate responsibility.

Measurement and policy: governments track industrial output, capacity utilization, and employment. Industrial policy aims to promote competitive, resilient, and innovative sectors through incentives, standards, and public investment.