How has the UK economy changed, and how is it linked to the wider world?
Economic change in the UK, the move to a post-industrial economy, the impacts of industry on the environment, changes in the rural landscape, transport improvements, the north-south divide and the UK's global links.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Geography 3.2.2, covering deindustrialisation and the post-industrial UK economy, science and business parks, sustainable industry, rural change, transport improvements, the north-south divide and the UK's global links.
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What this dot point is asking
This is AQA GCSE Geography (8035) Paper 2, Section B (3.2.2 The changing economic world). AQA expects you to explain how the UK economy has changed to a post-industrial economy and why, the impacts of industry on the physical environment and how it can be more sustainable, changes in the rural landscape, transport improvements, the north-south divide and how it is being tackled, and the UK's links with the wider world.
A post-industrial economy
Science parks (clusters of high-tech and research firms linked to universities, such as the Cambridge Science Park) and business parks on the edges of cities (with good road access and cheaper land) support this high-tech, knowledge-based economy. Together these mark the shift from a workforce dominated by primary and secondary jobs to one dominated by tertiary and quaternary jobs.
Industry, the environment and rural change
Modern industry can damage the environment through pollution, waste and land use, but it can be made more sustainable through cleaner technology, recycling and reducing waste, stricter regulation, and restoring sites after use. A more sustainable quarry or industrial estate (for example one that restores worked-out land to nature or uses renewable energy and water recycling) shows how growth and the environment can be balanced.
Transport, the north-south divide and global links
The UK is improving transport: new and widened roads, rail projects such as HS2 and Crossrail (the Elizabeth line), and expanded ports and airports, to support economic growth.
A persistent north-south divide means the south-east is generally wealthier, with higher wages, house prices and productivity, than much of the north and west. It is tackled by devolution of power to regions and city mayors, enterprise zones (tax breaks and relaxed planning to attract business), and investment such as the Northern Powerhouse and improved transport. The UK is also strongly linked to the wider world through trade (imports and exports), culture (TV, film and music exported globally), transport (Heathrow as a global hub, the Channel Tunnel) and political and economic ties to the Commonwealth and Europe.
Try this
Q1. Explain what is meant by a post-industrial economy. [2 marks]
- Cue. An economy where most jobs are in services and quaternary research rather than manufacturing.
Q2. Explain two causes of the shift to a post-industrial UK economy. [4 marks]
- Cue. Deindustrialisation as factories closed, and globalisation moving manufacturing to cheaper countries, plus government policy favouring services.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of AQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
AQA 20196 marksExplain the causes of the change to a post-industrial economy in the UK. (Paper 2, Section B)Show worked answer →
A 6-mark question from Paper 2 Section B (The changing economic world), assessing AO1 and AO2. Markers reward several developed causes with cause-and-effect links.
Award credit for: deindustrialisation, as many UK factories, mines and shipyards closed when they became uncompetitive; globalisation, as cheaper labour overseas drew manufacturing abroad; mechanisation and automation reducing the need for manual workers; government policy encouraging finance, high-tech and service industries (for example deregulating the City of London and supporting science parks); and the rise of the knowledge economy and information technology creating quaternary jobs. The lift to 6 marks is to explain how each cause shifted jobs from secondary manufacturing to tertiary and quaternary work, not just to list them.
AQA 20226 marksAssess the strategies used to reduce the north-south divide in the UK. (Paper 2, Section B)Show worked answer →
A 6-mark question assessing AO1, AO2 and AO3. "Assess" needs you to judge how well the strategies work.
Award credit for naming and explaining strategies: devolution of power to regional bodies and city mayors (for example the Northern Powerhouse and metro mayors) to make local economic decisions; enterprise zones offering tax breaks and reduced planning rules to attract business; transport investment (HS2, upgraded northern rail) to improve connectivity; and regional grants. Then evaluate: these have attracted some investment and jobs, but the south-east still has higher wages, house prices and productivity, and big projects are slow and costly. Reach a judgement: the strategies narrow the gap in places but have not closed it. Markers reward named strategies and a reasoned verdict.
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Sources & how we know this
- AQA GCSE Geography (8035) specification — AQA (2016)