Can you guys help me on this? Thank you! Here is the question: Is it possible for a country's economy to be based entirely on services?  Here's my classmate's reply: It is technically achievable but difficult for a nation's economy to be completely focused on services. Services are becoming the main economic sector in modern economies, particularly in high-income nations. For instance, services make up more than 75% of GDP in the US and the UK (World Bank, 2020). This covers industries like technology, finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Rather than manufacturing or agriculture, human capital and knowledge-intensive industries are the main priorities of a service-based economy. A solely service-driven economy would, however, have serious difficulties with regard to trade imbalances, resource availability, and independence.  The fact that services by themselves do not produce tangible things is one of the main challenges. Basic necessities for a nation still include food, energy, and raw materials, all of which are produced by the manufacturing and agricultural industries (Hosseini et al., 2021). In the absence of them, a population dependent on services would have to rely largely on imports to meet their demands. This dependence may put the world at risk, particularly in the event of trade disputes, disruptions in the global supply chain, or diplomatic difficulties. Additionally, not all nations are prepared to transition to a service-dominated economy, especially in developing nations where industry is still a key driver of growth, even if services are necessary in many sectors of the economy. Employment is another problem. Although high-paying occupations can be found in service areas like tech, finance, and education, not all service sectors give a significant number of employment possibilities for a large population. Retail and hospitality are two industries that often offer lower pay and less job stability. According to Baumol (2012), a fully service-based economy runs the risk of escalating income inequality and decreasing customers for upward mobility. In conclusion, a nation may potentially have a service-dominated economy, but it is unlikely that such a model could support a country as a whole. Agriculture and manufacturing are essential to supplying the necessities and stability required for economic adaptability.  In the long run, a balanced economy that incorporates services with other industries would be more rational and long-lasting. Can you provide feedback on my classmate's reply? Thank you!

Foundations of Business (MindTap Course List)
6th Edition
ISBN:9781337386920
Author:William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor
Publisher:William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor
Chapter1: Exploring The World Of Business And Economics
Section1.5: The Business Cycle
Problem 2CC
Question

Can you guys help me on this? Thank you!

Here is the question:

Is it possible for a country's economy to be based entirely on services? 

Here's my classmate's reply:

It is technically achievable but difficult for a nation's economy to be completely focused on services. Services are becoming the main economic sector in modern economies, particularly in high-income nations. For instance, services make up more than 75% of GDP in the US and the UK (World Bank, 2020). This covers industries like technology, finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Rather than manufacturing or agriculture, human capital and knowledge-intensive industries are the main priorities of a service-based economy. A solely service-driven economy would, however, have serious difficulties with regard to trade imbalances, resource availability, and independence. 

The fact that services by themselves do not produce tangible things is one of the main challenges. Basic necessities for a nation still include food, energy, and raw materials, all of which are produced by the manufacturing and agricultural industries (Hosseini et al., 2021). In the absence of them, a population dependent on services would have to rely largely on imports to meet their demands. This dependence may put the world at risk, particularly in the event of trade disputes, disruptions in the global supply chain, or diplomatic difficulties. Additionally, not all nations are prepared to transition to a service-dominated economy, especially in developing nations where industry is still a key driver of growth, even if services are necessary in many sectors of the economy.

Employment is another problem. Although high-paying occupations can be found in service areas like tech, finance, and education, not all service sectors give a significant number of employment possibilities for a large population. Retail and hospitality are two industries that often offer lower pay and less job stability. According to Baumol (2012), a fully service-based economy runs the risk of escalating income inequality and decreasing customers for upward mobility.

In conclusion, a nation may potentially have a service-dominated economy, but it is unlikely that such a model could support a country as a whole. Agriculture and manufacturing are essential to supplying the necessities and stability required for economic adaptability.  In the long run, a balanced economy that incorporates services with other industries would be more rational and long-lasting.

Can you provide feedback on my classmate's reply? Thank you!

 

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