This chapter on industries first explores the origin and diffusion of industrial production. Following this, the evolution of industrialization in recent decades is considered, focusing on the steel industry. Further, concepts such as flexible production and the global division of labor are examined. The discussion then turns to how the expanding service economy is reshaping employment and influencing economic geography.

1. Where did the Industrial Revolution have its beginning? And, why? How did it diffuse from there to the world over time?
2. How did the evolution of industrial production change? What are the reasons for such changes?
3. What are the prevailing global patterns of industrial production at present?
4. How was the economy of trade and the rise of the service industry changed by deindustrialization of higher income countries?