industrializes

Industrializes is the verb form describing the process by which an economy, region, or sector adopts large-scale manufacturing and related infrastructure, moving toward a more industrial economy. The term is closely linked with industrialization, which involves shifting economic activity from farming or artisanal production to factories, mechanization, and mass production. Industrializes can refer to policy-driven efforts by governments, private investment, or combined strategies to build factories, energy systems, transport networks, and urban centers necessary to support industrial activity.

Historically, industrialization began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to Europe, North America, and beyond. Key drivers included mechanization, steam power, the factory system, railways, and expanding capital markets. Technological diffusion, specialization of labor, and urbanization reinforced productivity gains and economic growth. Governments often facilitated industrialization through infrastructure projects, education, property rights, and trade policy.

Contemporary usage of the term often addresses development strategies in manufacturing-based economies, where nations seek to diversify away from agriculture toward value-added production, services linked to industry, and innovative technologies. The process can be gradual or rapid, depending on resources, institutions, and global demand.

Impacts are mixed: industrialization can raise living standards, create jobs, and boost export earnings, yet it can also cause environmental degradation, income inequality, and social disruption if poorly managed.

Measurement often uses shares of manufacturing in GDP, employment, or output growth, and looks at urbanization and energy intensity. In modern contexts, discussions about industrializes intersect with automation, digitalization, and global value chains.