industryside

Industryside is a term that appears in some policy discussions to denote the perspective, interests, or policy measures associated with the industrial sector, particularly manufacturing and heavy industry. The term is not standardized and is seldom used in mainstream macroeconomic textbooks or widely cited sources. When it does appear, it often signals a distinction between policies aimed at industry and those aimed at services, digital economy, or other sectors.

Usage and scope can vary by region and context. In regional development plans, industryside measures may emphasize infrastructure, energy reliability, and access to finance to attract or retain manufacturing activity. In policy briefs and think tank reports, industryside proposals might advocate for targeted industrial policy, subsidies or tax incentives for manufacturers, tariffs or trade protections, and programs to upgrade skills and productivity in traditional industries.

Interpretations of industryside range from a pragmatic emphasis on supporting competitive domestic production to a more protectionist stance that prioritizes certain firms or sectors. Critics argue that a binary industryside versus serviceside framework can oversimplify modern economies, potentially overlooking services, technology, and green transition needs. Proponents counter that a clear industry focus can help address structural bottlenecks and bolster national resilience.

See also: industrial policy, manufacturing sector, sectoral policy, supply-side policy, economic development.