The New Industrial Revolution Consumers, Globalization and the End of Mass Production Peter T. Marsh

The rapid emergence of China and India as prime locations for low-cost manufacturing has led some analysts to conclude that manufacturers in the "old economies" - the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan - are being edged out of a profitable future. But if countries that have historically been at the forefront of events in manufacturing can adapt adroitly, opportunities are by no means over, says the author of this timely book. Peter Marsh explores 250 years in the history of manufacturing, then examines the characteristics of the industrial revolution that is taking place right now.

The driving forces that influence what types of goods are made and who makes them are little understood, Marsh observes. He discusses the key changes in what is happening in manufacturing today, including advances in technology, a greater focus on tailor-made goods aimed at specific individuals and industry users, participation of many more countries in world manufacturing, and the growing importance of sustainable forms of production. With broad historical sweep and dozens of engaging examples, Marsh explains these changes and their import both for consumers making purchase choices and for manufacturers assessing how to participate successfully in the new industrial era

More about this title

Read an article by The New Industrial Revolution author Peter T. Marsh on Yale's blog

The New Industrial Revolution named an 'Economics and Business Book of the Year' 2012 by The Economist

Peter T. Marsh is a journalist who reports on developments in manufacturing-related industries for the Financial Times. He received the UK Business Journalist of the Year Award in the manufacturing category in 2002. He lives in London.

"What is so useful about Marsh’s contribution in the New Industrial Revolution is that he has made an objective assessment of the evidence. And there are few people in Britain who are better equipped to do so." Evan Davis, Financial Times

"Highly readable and engaging, liberally peppered with anacdotes that convey both Marsh’s knowledge of the topic of the very human nature of industry… The New Industrial Revolution will be a valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the role of manufacturing." Bryan Betts, Engineering and Technology

“A fizzing analysis of the history and geography of manufacturing and where it is heading.” The Economist.

"Marsh’s book takes us back to basics, and looks at the challenges raised by re-industrialisation… A must-read." Global Journal

Watch the related video

•The democratisation of manufacturing: Peter Marsh reports on the global manufacturing chain of eyewear maker Luxottica
• China's solar silicon boom: Marsh reports from Asia Silicon in the remote Chinese city of Xining