Pondering over a career in Basic Industries? Here's a lowdown.
In the ever-evolving world of work, traditional industries are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by digital advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Digital Transformation and AI Integration
The integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping basic industries, with strong growth predicted for roles linked to AI, data science, and automation. This transformation is not limited to sectors like technology and healthcare but extends to traditional industries such as agriculture, mining, and chemical production. Environmental engineers and renewable energy engineers, for instance, are projected to see about 40% job growth by 2030, due to their relevance in sustainable practices and regulatory compliance.
Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
Sustainability and environmental concerns are driving innovation in various sectors, encouraging the adoption of greener technologies and materials. The bio-lubricants market, critical in metalworking, mining, and transportation, is projected to grow steadily (CAGR ~4.7%) up to 2032, due to demand for environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and high-performance lubricants.
The Metalworking Sector
The metalworking sector is benefitting from demand for advanced, eco-friendly metalworking fluids and reusable metal intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). Metal IBCs are growing at a steady rate (~3.4% CAGR) driven by global chemical production expansion and environmental regulations favoring reusable and safer packaging, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Technological Skills
As industries modernize, technological skills, especially in data management, cybersecurity, and Internet of Things (IoT), are increasingly essential. Basic industries are integrating smart infrastructure and digital systems, creating demand for specialists who can manage AI-driven operations, cybersecurity, and connected machinery.
Careers in Basic Industries
Careers in basic industries will increasingly require cross-disciplinary skills combining traditional industry knowledge with expertise in AI, data science, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials. Professionals who adapt to digital automation and environmental sustainability trends will find the strongest prospects, particularly in roles supporting clean energy, eco-friendly production, and smart industrial processes.
Jobs with High Demand
While some jobs may be at risk due to automation, jobs that require minimal training and have high demand include delivery drivers, warehouse workers, and customer service representatives. Industries such as healthcare, education, and information technology are considered stable and safe due to consistent demand.
The Next Big Industries
The next big industries are expected to be Biotechnology, AI, and space exploration. Just as jobs like social media managers, app developers, and AI specialists didn't exist two decades ago, the future holds promises of new opportunities in these emerging fields.
Basic Industries in India
In India, industries like steel, mining, agriculture, and textile production are considered basic industries. Key players in these sectors include ArcelorMittal (steel), ExxonMobil (oil and gas), Cargill (agriculture), and BHP (mining).
[1] World Economic Forum. (2021). Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Production. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/shaping-the-future-of-advanced-manufacturing-and-production
[2] MarketsandMarkets. (2021). Bio-Lubricants Market by Type (Synthetic, Semi-Synthetic, and Bio-Based), Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2032. Retrieved from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/bio-lubricants-market-216406920.html
[3] McKinsey & Company. (2020). The future of work in advanced manufacturing. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/the-future-of-work-in-advanced-manufacturing
[4] Grand View Research, Inc. (2020). Metal Intermediate Bulk Containers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Steel, Plastic), By Application (Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals), And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/metal-intermediate-bulk-containers-market
- The integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving growth in roles linked to AI, data science, and automation, not just in technology and healthcare, but also in traditional industries such as agriculture, mining, and chemical production.
- Environmental concerns are encouraging the adoption of greener technologies and materials, with the bio-lubricants market, critical in metalworking, mining, and transportation, projected to grow steadily due to demand for eco-friendly, non-toxic, and high-performance lubricants.
- Technological skills, particularly in data management, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are increasingly essential as industries modernize, with basic industries integrating smart infrastructure and digital systems.
- In the future, careers in basic industries will require cross-disciplinary skills combining traditional industry knowledge with expertise in AI, data science, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials.
- Emerging fields like Biotechnology, AI, and space exploration are expected to be the next big industries, promising new opportunities similar to jobs that didn't exist two decades ago such as social media managers, app developers, and AI specialists.
