3 March 2014: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has analyzed the role of the manufacturing sector in creating sustained employment growth, in its annual flagship report released in late 2013. The report was launched on 3 March 2014, in New York, US, at an event co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Viet Nam.

‘Industrial Development Report 2013’ reviews trends in global manufacturing and describes the drivers affecting the sector, such as wage levels, skills, technology, industrial organization and the business environment. According to the report, countries need to expand their productive capacities and strengthen value addition to generate sustained jobs and income. It notes that many countries are calling for an “industrial renaissance” to renew industrialization and promote structural change toward sustainable development and poverty reduction.

The authors highlight opportunities for developing countries to invest in higher-technology and higher-value added industries. In addition, they present data and case examples to show the potential for manufacturing to employ many workers with higher labor productivity and more efficient use of resources. In this context they outline the industrial policies, education and training policies and international cooperation needed to make this happen.

The report suggests that governments should commit to the economic dimension of development in the post-2015 agenda through a focus on inclusive and sustainable industrial development. [Publication: Industrial Development Report 2013 – Sustaining Employment Growth: The Role of Manufacturing and Structural Change ] [Report Overview] [UNIDO Industrial Report Series] [IISD RS Sources]