tertiærnæring

Tertiary sector refers to the economic activities that provide services rather than tangible goods. This sector encompasses a wide range of industries, including retail, transportation, entertainment, healthcare, education, and finance. Unlike the primary sector (extraction of raw materials) and the secondary sector (manufacturing and production), the tertiary sector focuses on facilitating the consumption and distribution of goods and services.

The growth of the tertiary sector is often seen as an indicator of economic development and rising living standards. As economies mature, there is typically a shift from primary and secondary activities towards services. This is due to factors such as increased demand for leisure, improved health and education, and the growing complexity of modern economies requiring specialized services.

Examples of tertiary sector activities include a doctor providing medical care, a teacher educating students, a shopkeeper selling goods, a bank offering financial services, and a musician performing for an audience. These services are intangible, meaning they cannot be touched or stored, but they play a crucial role in supporting other economic sectors and improving the quality of life for individuals. The tertiary sector is the largest employer in many developed economies.