industry

Industry refers to organized economic activities centered on the production of goods and the provision of services that involve machinery, capital, and skilled labor. It encompasses transforming inputs such as raw materials and energy into finished products or structured services. In common usage, industry may denote a broad sector (such as the steel industry) or the sum of industrial activity within a country.

Historically, industry emerged with the Industrial Revolution, moving economies from agrarian subsistence to large-scale manufacturing in factories, powered by coal and steam. This shift accelerated urbanization, increased productivity, and created complex supply chains. Over the 20th century, economies diversified from heavy industry toward broader manufacturing and services. Globalization expanded cross-border production and competitiveness, influencing how industries organize plants and form networks.

Industry is commonly subdivided into primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. The secondary sector includes manufacturing and construction; the primary sector covers extraction and agriculture; the tertiary sector provides services. Within manufacturing, sub-industries such as automotive, chemicals, electronics, textiles, and food processing illustrate clustering around specific activities. Industry policy, competition, and regulation shape investment, innovation, and employment.

Economic measures track industry by output, value added, and productivity. Indicators such as the industrial production index and capacity utilization help gauge health and cycles. Employment in industrial activities often reflects broader economic conditions and automation trends.

Contemporary industry faces challenges and opportunities from automation and digitalization. Technologies associated with Industry 4.0—robotics, sensors, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing—affect productivity and skills demand. Environmental concerns push industries toward energy efficiency, waste reduction, and circular economy practices.

Globally, industry is linked to trade, investment, and development. Emerging economies pursue industrialization to diversify economies, build infrastructure, and create jobs, while mature economies focus on high-value manufacturing, advanced materials, and services that support industrial activity.