Secondary Activities — NCERT Solutions

Footloose Industries:

Footloose industries are those that can be located almost anywhere, as they are not tied to any specific raw material source, energy supply or market. They use small quantities of light raw materials, require skilled labour, and produce high-value, low-weight products (e.g., electronics, gem-cutting, software). They are generally pollution-free and can be set up in rural or urban areas with equal ease. Examples include the electronics and watch-making industries.

Difference between Primary and Secondary Activities:

In summary: Primary activities form the base of the economy by providing raw materials, while secondary activities add value to those materials through manufacturing and processing, forming the industrial backbone of a nation.

Major Trends of Modern Industrial Activities in Developed Countries:

Modern industrial activities in developed countries show several significant trends:

1. Shift from Traditional to High-Tech Industries: Traditional industries like iron & steel, textiles and shipbuilding have declined. In their place, high-technology industries producing computers, robots, aerospace equipment and precision instruments have grown rapidly.

2. Deindustrialisation: Many developed countries have witnessed deindustrialisation — a decline in the share of manufacturing in GDP and employment. The service sector has grown at the expense of manufacturing.

3. Relocation to Developing Countries: Labour-intensive manufacturing has shifted to developing countries (China, India, Bangladesh) where labour costs are lower. Developed countries retain capital-intensive and knowledge-intensive production.

4. Growth of Technopolies: Science parks and technology corridors (e.g., Silicon Valley, USA; Silicon Glen, UK) have emerged where high-tech firms cluster near universities and research institutions.

5. Automation and Robotics: Factories increasingly use robots and automated systems, reducing the need for unskilled labour and increasing productivity.

6. Flexible Production Systems: Just-in-time production, small batch manufacturing and customisation have replaced mass production in many industries.

7. Environmental Concerns: Stricter environmental regulations have forced industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce pollution.

These trends reflect the transition of developed economies from industrial to post-industrial, knowledge-based economies.

Reasons for Attraction of High-Tech Industries to Peripheral Areas of Metropolitan Centres:

High-tech industries are increasingly locating in the peripheral (outer/suburban) areas of major cities rather than in the congested city cores. The reasons are:

1. Availability of Large Land Parcels: Peripheral areas offer large, affordable plots of land needed for spacious campuses, research parks and modern factory buildings — something unavailable in crowded city centres.

2. Lower Land and Rent Costs: Land prices and rents are significantly lower on the outskirts, reducing operational costs for companies.

3. Pleasant Environment: High-tech firms prefer clean, green, aesthetically pleasing environments to attract and retain highly skilled scientists, engineers and professionals who value quality of life.

4. Proximity to Universities and Research Institutions: Many universities and research centres are located on the outskirts of cities. High-tech firms benefit from collaboration with these institutions for R&D and recruitment of talent.

5. Good Connectivity: Modern peripheral areas are well connected by highways, ring roads and airports, ensuring easy movement of goods, people and information.

6. Absence of Congestion and Pollution: Unlike city centres, peripheral areas are free from traffic congestion, noise and industrial pollution, making them suitable for precision manufacturing.

7. Government Incentives: Governments often offer tax concessions, subsidised land and infrastructure in peripheral areas to encourage industrial dispersal.

Examples: Silicon Valley (near San Francisco), Silicon Forest (near Seattle), and Bengaluru's Electronic City (India) are all located on the periphery of major cities.

Thus, the combination of economic, environmental and infrastructural advantages makes peripheral areas ideal for high-tech industries.

Africa: Rich in Resources but Industrially Backward — Reasons:

Africa is endowed with enormous natural resources — vast mineral deposits (gold, diamonds, copper, oil), fertile land, large forests and significant water resources. Yet, it remains the least industrialised continent. The reasons are:

1. Colonial Legacy: For centuries, Africa was colonised by European powers who deliberately kept it as a supplier of raw materials and a market for finished goods. Industries were not developed; raw materials were exported cheaply and manufactured goods were imported at high prices. This colonial economic structure persisted even after independence.

2. Political Instability: Many African nations have suffered prolonged civil wars, ethnic conflicts and political instability, which discourage investment and disrupt economic activity.

3. Poor Infrastructure: Roads, railways, ports, power supply and communication networks are inadequate. Without good infrastructure, industrial development is severely hampered.

4. Lack of Capital: African countries lack the financial capital needed to invest in industries. Foreign investment is limited due to political risks and poor governance.

5. Low Level of Technology and Skilled Labour: There is a shortage of technically skilled workers, engineers and managers. Educational and vocational training systems are underdeveloped.

6. Small Domestic Markets: Low per capita incomes mean limited purchasing power, resulting in small domestic markets that do not justify large-scale industrial investment.

7. Dependence on Primary Sector: Most African economies remain dependent on agriculture and mining, with little value addition through manufacturing.

8. Unfavourable Trade Terms: Africa continues to export low-value raw materials and import high-value manufactured goods, leading to unfavourable terms of trade and limited industrial growth.

Conclusion: Africa's industrial backwardness is not due to a lack of resources but due to historical exploitation, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure and lack of capital and technology. Overcoming these challenges is essential for Africa's industrial development.

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