Understanding Raw Materials, Energy Sources, and Industrial Sectors
Raw Materials and Resources
Raw material resources are obtained or semi-processed products. Mineral-ore deposits are known or discovered resources that can be exploited immediately using current techniques or not. Mineral reserves are well-known resources that can be exploited with current techniques.
Energy Sources
Energy sources provide useful energy for various applications, such as industry. Energia is the ability to do work and can be renewable or nonrenewable. It’s important to distinguish between primary and secondary energy use.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible, clean, and have high dispersion, allowing them to be used in different places. Solar energy, for example, uses heat and sunlight and has thermal and photovoltaic applications. Spain exploits solar energy significantly.
The PEN (National Energy Plan) aims to reduce dependence on oil by promoting nuclear energy development. Following rejection, coal and gas were developed instead.
Industrial Sectors
Industrial sectors are branches of activity that commonly use raw materials, techniques, and machinery. Industry transforms raw materials into semi-processed products, which are then transformed into real products for use by other industries or direct consumption by consumers.
Holding Companies and Economies of Scale
A holding company is a financial entity involved in controlling different companies, owning all or a vital part of their actions. Large-scale economies result from series production at low prices. External economies are benefits reported to a business environment.
Industrial Policies and Development
Break points are load-reach places where goods are carried. Poles of promotion are based on industrial policy in deprived areas, demanding greater investment in infrastructure and subsidies. Poles of development are based on industrial policy in a city with a somewhat industrial base.
ZUR (Urgent Reindustrialization Areas) have a period of 18 months, extendable further 18 months.
Decentralization and Outsourcing
Decentralization involves dividing the production process into phases conducted in separate facilities located in the most favorable sites, resulting in the disintegration of a large factory. Outsourcing is based on information and automation, reducing productive tasks by replacing manual labor with computers and robots.
Multinational Companies and Green Industry
Multinational companies have production facilities in different countries and operate with a joint strategy decided from headquarters in more developed countries. Green industry focuses on ecological and environmental aspects, aiming to develop clean technologies for industry.
PITMA (Industrial and Environmental Technology Plan) encourages actions aimed at preventing and correcting pollution. Industrial re-organization has two complementary strands: industrial restructuring and re-industrialization.
Mature Industries and High Technology Sectors
Mature industries are affected by reduced demand and falling competitiveness, demanding community policy. High technology industrial sectors in Spain have been introduced late and are sometimes at a nascent stage due to difficulties.
Technology Parks and Industrial Areas
A technology park has a weak adaptation to work and the system. Education is characterized by its functional, morphological-urbanistic, and locational aspects, in terms of its relationship with the environment and declining industrial results. Areas are specialized in mature industries in crisis, with medium or low qualifications in the labor market, and a deteriorated environment. EU restrictions may further aggravate the situation.
Endogenous Industrialization
Endogenous industrialization develops the potentials and advantages of each domain, allowing them to compete with other areas in a globalized economy. Industry is the activity that transforms raw materials into semi-processed or processed products using an energy source.