5.3.1. Concept of High Technology Industry

High technology, or simply high-tech, is the latest generation of manufacturing activities. It is best understood as the application of intensive research and development (R and D) efforts leading to the manufacture of products of an advanced scientific and engineering character.

A high technology industry represents cutting-edge manufacturing that heavily relies on advanced research and development. This type of industry focuses on creating products that incorporate the latest scientific discoveries and engineering techniques. For instance, industries involved in robotics or biotechnology fall under this category. They seek not only to innovate but also to solve complex problems through technology.

Think of high-tech industries like the companies that create smartphones. They spend a lot of time researching and developing new technologies, such as better batteries or faster processors, before these features appear in the latest models. Just like a chef experiments with difficult recipes to create an impressive dish, high-tech companies use advanced methods to create innovative products.

Professional (white collar) workers make up a large share of the total workforce. These highly skilled specialists greatly outnumber the actual production (blue collar) workers.

In high-tech industries, a significant proportion of the workforce consists of professionals such as engineers and scientists who are involved in planning and development. These 'white collar' workers engage in complex tasks that require specialized education and training, while the actual production is carried out by 'blue collar' workers, who follow the processes designed by these professionals. This highlights the strategic role of education and skill in high-tech sectors.

Imagine a car manufacturing company where the engineers and designers (white collar workers) develop cutting-edge safety features. Meanwhile, assembly line workers (blue collar workers) are the ones who put the cars together. Without engineers conceptualizing the designs, assembly line workers would have no guidance—they work together to create a high-quality product.

Robotics on the assembly line, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing, electronic controls of machines and tools, and the constant development of new chemical and pharmaceutical products are notable examples of a high-tech industry.

High-tech industries utilize various technological innovations to enhance their production processes. For example, robotics ensures precision and efficiency in manufacturing products. Computer-aided design (CAD) allows designers to create detailed models before production begins, significantly reducing errors. Additionally, electronic controls manage operations of machines, increasing productivity. These innovations are essential for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

Think of building a LEGO set. In high-tech industries, robots are like super-skilled kids who can put LEGO pieces together perfectly and quickly, while CAD is like a super detailed instruction manual guiding those kids on how to build the spaceship. Without these tools, it would take much longer and be much harder to get it right!

Neatly spaced, low, modern, dispersed, office-plant-lab buildings rather than massive assembly structures, factories, and storage areas mark the high-tech industrial landscape.

The physical layout of high-tech industries contrasts with traditional manufacturing. Instead of large, monolithic factories, high-tech facilities often feature modern buildings spread out with specific areas designated for offices, laboratories, and production. This type of design fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovative ideas can thrive while also allowing for efficient operations. This spatial organization reflects the nature of work in high-tech industries that emphasizes flexibility and interconnection.

Imagine a tech hub where multiple small buildings are aligned in a cool landscape, each dedicated to a different task—some for offices, some for labs, and some for workshops. Each building collaborates like a well-practiced team of athletes in a relay race, passing the baton (ideas and products) efficiently without being crammed into one large facility.

High-tech industries which are regionally concentrated, self-sustained, and highly specialised are called technopolies. The Silicon Valley near San Francisco and Silicon Forest near Seattle are examples of technopolies.

Technopolies are areas where high-tech industries cluster, benefiting from being near universities, skilled labor, and investment. These regions not only produce technology but also cultivate an environment that encourages innovation through collaboration and shared resources. Silicon Valley is renowned for its dense concentration of tech companies, making it a hub for new ideas and startups.

Think of a basketball team that trains in a specialized gym with excellent coaching strategies and all the latest equipment. Just like that gym breeds talented players due to its resources and environment, technopolies create innovative products by bringing together talented individuals and resources in one place.

Manufacturing contributes significantly to the world economy. Iron and steel, textiles, automobiles, petrochemicals, and electronics are some of the world’s most important manufacturing industries.

The manufacturing sector, including high-tech industries, plays a crucial role in the global economy by adding value to raw materials and creating jobs. Industries like electronics and automobiles not only generate revenue but also stimulate research, innovation, and economic growth by providing goods that meet consumer demand. The significance of such industries underscores their role as pillars of modern economies.

Consider the smartphone industry: each phone sold represents money that circulates in the economy, supporting everything from advertising jobs to shipping companies. Just as a successful farm can feed a community and create various jobs, high-tech factories provide essential goods and facilitate economic activity on a larger scale.

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