The global economy requires the harmonious development of each country. This is the key to the well-being and well-being of every person. Historically, various territories produce certain types of products. This allows them to exchange surpluses of their industries for goods scarce for them, manufactured by other countries. So there is an equalization of resources on the planet.
The international specialization of labor is such a form of development of world economies in which differentiation and isolation of individual technological processes, sub-sectors and production sectors takes place in certain territories.
General concept
The international division of labor is the specialization of individual states in the creation of certain types of services, goods, technologies that are in demand by the world community.
In the process of developing trade relations between countries, three logical varieties of forms of this process have developed. These include the general, unit and private division of labor. In the first case, industry specialization occurs. It is carried out in the manufacturing and economic sectors of the country.
A private division of labor occurs with the development of specialization in certain types of finished products or services. The single form of the presented process is the predominant production of individual parts, components or assemblies. It is considered one of the most promising areas of development.
States participating in the international system of division of labor can receive a greater economic effect to cover their own needs for tangible and intangible benefits.
Historical development
Initially, international specialization was purely cross-sectoral. At the same time, the exchange took place between one main industry (industry) and another (agriculture). This process was characteristic of the 70-80s of the XIX century.
Knowing this, try to explain how the division of labor and specialization acquired their current form. It is not at all difficult if you delve into historical processes. Gradually, the shift in specialization occurred towards intra-industry exchange. A big shift occurred in the 30s of the last century. At this time, the exchange began to be made between one significant industry (for example, engineering) and another (for example, chemical production).
In the 70-80 years of the twentieth century, intra-industry specialization became a priority. Scientific and technological progress has determined the features of trade. Especially widespread technological and site-specific specialization. In developed countries with market economies, such products in exports account for at least 40%.
Development indicators
International specialization of labor is determined by several key indicators. The most common of these is the coefficient of development of the international division of labor. It shows the weight of the country in world trade, which is compared with the share of the same state in the national income of all countries. If the indicator exceeds 1, this indicates a high (comparable to the average value) of the country's participation in world exchange processes.
A whole system of indicators is used to assess the participation of international production specialization. These include the coefficient of relative specialization of industrial production. It is obtained by comparing the specific gravity of each product in foreign trade.
Also presented indicators include the ratio of the specific gravity of the country in the international trade of components and parts. Next, the export quota and the nomenclature (assortment) of imported and exported goods are estimated.
Grouping countries
From the first half of the twentieth century, one can trace how the division of labor and specialization of activity influenced the status of each state. As a result, all countries were divided into 3 separate groups. The first of these included countries specializing in manufacturing products using the manufacturing industry. The second group included states, the main part of the export of which was the mining industry. At the same time, a group of countries that specialized in growing agricultural products stood out.
Currently, the fourth group stands out. It includes countries that supply the world market with the products of all of these three groups. These are developed countries, for example, the USA, England, France, Canada, etc.
Specialization of countries by groups
Thanks to established relationships in the world market, a number of countries with a certain export orientation are distinguished. Their division of labor, specialization of production allowed these states to supply high-tech equipment, machine tools, machines, household appliances and chemical components. For example, aircraft are manufactured and sold by the USA, France, Germany, Italy, and high-class cars - Japan, Sweden, Germany, the USA, etc.
The second group includes states in whose territory powerful development of mineral resources is underway. These countries process such raw materials minimally. This includes the oil producing regions of Africa, the Middle East, etc. Various minerals (coal, ore, gold, etc.) are sold by Sweden, Canada, and Australia.
The third group of countries that sell purely agricultural products on the world market includes countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Similar products can be supplied to the world market by developed countries, such as Canada, countries of Western Europe, Australia, etc.
Purpose of specialization
Stable development can provide international specialization. The labor productivity of each country can increase due to the concentration of resources in the feasible areas of production of various products. At the same time, it is possible to achieve high quality goods in which the state specializes.
Such processes hinder the emergence of a single monoculture of the economy. Each country creates its own specific economic complex, area of activity. However, a positive effect is possible only in economically developed countries. Developing national economies, on the contrary, are slipping into narrow specialization, a monotonous focus of activity in such conditions.
In this regard, international specialization should stimulate developing countries to establish a diversified structure of the economy. The leadership of these countries should choose the optimal ratio of industries. Although these settings are in reality difficult.
Formation factors
The concept of specialization of labor is formed with the participation of a number of factors. First of all, it is influenced by existing and predicted for commissioning production capacities, the quantity and quality of labor resources, their development.
The second factor influencing the development of specialization is the level of national income. This also includes the processes of accumulation and consumption within the state economy.
The following factors are considered climatic conditions, soil, minerals. The prevailing economic ties and their possible development are taken into account. The more favorable factors are determined in a particular state, the more balanced is its participation in the specialization and division of labor at the international level.
Modern world specialization
The modern world specialization of labor is the result of many changes in the industrial and agricultural activities of the international community. The main issues that world production has resolved in the past few decades are the pursuit of increased profits, cost reduction, and the search for cheap labor.
All these factors led to the creation of industries with high-tech production cycles. They offer the consumer in the global market competitive, quality products. These industries are considered the main carriers of world specialization.
Each state is known for its directions in the creation of new goods and services.
Specialization of the countries of the world
Modern specialization of labor has been determined in the last few years. This highlighted a number of major suppliers of various high-tech equipment, goods and services in the global market.
Today, the main suppliers of cars and trucks are considered to be General Motors, Chrysler in the USA, Volkswagen, Opel in Germany, Renault, Peugeot in France, Rolls-Royce in England and etc.
Japan has taken a leading position in the world-class engineering industry. She is known for such brands as Mitsubishi, Toyota. Almost all of these countries are leaders in sales of electronic equipment. This indicates the high influence of multinational companies on the structure of world production. Specialization of labor is also subject to them.