New
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The post-industrial economy
I can describe the features of a post-industrial economy.
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
- Year 11
- AQA
The post-industrial economy
I can describe the features of a post-industrial economy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK is moving towards a post-industrial economy.
- The development of information technology has contributed to a post-industrial economy in the UK.
- The growth of service industries, finance and research has contributed to a post-industrial economy in the UK.
- Science and business parks have contributed to a post-industrial economy in the UK.
Keywords
Post-industrial - an economic phase where employment in manufacturing is replaced by employment in services and knowledge economies
Financial services - a branch of industry that manages money and wealth, such as banking, insurance, fund management and taxation
Disposable income - money left over after someone has paid for their essentials such as food, bills and housing
Science park - an area of land dedicated to businesses specialising in science and technology
Common misconception
Research is not a form of industry because it does not involve trade.
Research is an industry because it creates wealth through innovation and knowledge which has value.
Look at maps, satellite images and street views of Cambridge Science Park to show students what the modern face of industry looks like.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term "post-industrial" refer to?
What does the term "post-industrial" refer to?
A time before industrialisation
An economy focused on manufacturing and factories
An economy based only on agriculture
Q2.Which of the following industries is most likely to thrive in a post-industrial economy?
Which of the following industries is most likely to thrive in a post-industrial economy?
Steel production
Textile manufacturing
Coal mining
Q3."Disposable income" refers to:
"Disposable income" refers to:
The income a person gets from selling goods
Money that a company spends on raw materials
Income that is spent on necessities only
Q4.What is a benefit of having higher levels of disposable income for people in a post-industrial economy?
What is a benefit of having higher levels of disposable income for people in a post-industrial economy?
They spend all their money on essentials
They have a bad quality of life
Q5.Match the type of industry with its example.
Match the type of industry with its example.
Q6.Why are science parks important for a post-industrial economy?
Why are science parks important for a post-industrial economy?
They create new factories for manufacturing
They provide agricultural products for the economy
They are used for tourism and leisure activities
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1. is an economic phase where employment in manufacturing is replaced by employment in services and knowledge economies.
is an economic phase where employment in manufacturing is replaced by employment in services and knowledge economies.
Q2.Match the key words and their definitions.
Match the key words and their definitions.
Q3.Which of the following are features of working in the science and research industry?
Which of the following are features of working in the science and research industry?
low pay
access to docks to transport goods
Q4. services have seen dramatic changes in the post-industrial era as banks get larger and more global.
services have seen dramatic changes in the post-industrial era as banks get larger and more global.