The manufacturing industry is not well understood. Yet, this
industry is of strategic importance to the development of both
emerging economies and developed markets. While manufacturing is
not the solution to all problems, it is an innovative and high
tech industry that generates many job opportunities.
Manufacturing is no longer what it was in the 19th century; it
is not dirty or reserved for blue collar workers. Think of the
high tech and innovative products now manufactured around the
world, like iPhones or Dyson vacuum cleaners. Indeed, modern
manufacturing contributes to economic growth and raises both the
technological stock and skills of a country. It is the backbone
of any industrialized society and still today can be a strategic
advantage for countries worldwide. I am not disputing the fact
that manufacturing has become less strategically important for
some countries. The facts are there – look at the United States
for instance: in the 1950s, 30% of GDP came from manufacturing,
compared to 12% in 200