Final answer:
Manufacturing industries contribute significantly to a country's GDP and employment, with sectors like oil, natural gas, and textiles being vital in countries like Indonesia. They also drive infrastructure and support services and have historically provided many well-paying jobs, although some countries have seen a decline due to global competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manufacturing industries are often considered the backbone of the economy due to their substantial contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. They encompass key economic sectors like aviation, telecommunications, and biotechnology. For example, in Indonesia, the industrial sector constitutes about 40% of its GDP and provides work for around 20% of its population, spanning sectors such as oil, natural gas, and textiles. In addition to the direct financial contributions, industries also require and thus stimulate investment in infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities, as well as in education and health care to maintain a skilled and healthy workforce
The transition of the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution and its sustained economic growth for decades highlight the impact of manufacturing. However, despite the decline in manufacturing jobs in the U.S. due to globalization and competition, industries still play a critical role in the overall economic structure. The manufacturing sector takes raw materials from the primary sector and transforms them into valuable products, which was epitomized by the robust mid-20th century American economy that saw thousands employed in industries like construction and automobile production. Those industries, in turn, boosted demand and growth in other sectors like steel, rubber, and lumber.