Final answer:
Non-manufacturing numbers shed light on the shift from manufacturing to services in the U.S. economy, with profound implications for global labor markets and economic policies. The manufacturing sector's share of GDP has decreased, while service-related industries and jobs have experienced growth, driving economic change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The non-manufacturing numbers provide insights into the state and direction of the manufacturing sector within the economy. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant shift from manufacturing to service-oriented activities in the United States. According to trends, industries like biotechnology, telecommunications, and other service-driven sectors have grown substantially, showing resilience and adaptability as the secondary economic sector declines in developed economies like the U.S.
Manufacturing's contribution to the GDP has reduced significantly, from 45% in the 1960s to about 30% in 2016. Meanwhile, the overall structure of the workforce has transformed, with jobs in services increasing and traditional manufacturing jobs decreasing, influenced by global competition, shifting policies, and evolving economic realities.
With the U.S. as a prime example, the evolution in manufacturing has had ripple effects globally, altering labor markets, economic policies, and the balance of trade. The shift towards a more service-driven economy stresses the importance of non-physical sectors that continue to grow, sometimes at the expense of manufacturing and industrial employment. As such, non-manufacturing numbers are critical for understanding the ongoing economic transformation and preparing for future labor force requirements.