The quaternary sector offers services that cannot be mechanized, generally linked to research and technological development.
In the field of economics , a sector is the group formed by businesses and companies that can be grouped together by sharing certain characteristics linked to their activity. The so-called hypothesis of the three sectors postulates the existence of a sector dedicated to obtaining raw materials (the primary ), another that focuses on their transformation (the secondary ) and one concentrated on the offer of services (the tertiary ). .
In recent years, however, various thinkers have begun to refer to other segments beyond the three mentioned. This is how the idea of the quaternary sector emerged, which refers to the group of economic actors that carry out actions related mainly to the development of knowledge and research practices .
Characteristics of the quaternary sector
The quaternary sector is based on services that cannot be mechanized : education, consulting, information generation, etc. In general, it is understood that these companies , with their work, contribute to productive efficiency and the profitability of investments.
The impact of the quaternary sector on the economy is very great. This is because the exploration and creation of new technologies and the tasks associated with innovation are born in this sector, which then allows adding value to the rest of the economic activities.
In any case, it should be considered that there is no consensus about the precise or exact definition of the quaternary sector. While some authors limit their scope to computer and technological services (related to telematics , robotics and telecommunications ), others contemplate the inclusion of the media , educational establishments and entertainment companies due to the particularities of their offer. .
There are authors who include companies that provide educational services in the quaternary sector.
Its relationship with other areas
One of the peculiarities of the quaternary sector is its transversality : its work crosses the rest of the economic sectors. An agricultural firm in the primary sector can install a smart irrigation system or an application that analyzes weather conditions in real time, to name a few possibilities.
Similarly, an industrial entity in the secondary sector can benefit from scientific research that led to the discovery of a new material, while a company in the tertiary sector can take advantage of big data analysis to optimize its service.
The importance of specialization in the quaternary sector
Workers in the quaternary sector are usually highly qualified . In general, they are professionals with university studies and, in many cases, with postgraduate degrees . This training allows them to access high salaries.
Due to these issues, the quaternary sector has its epicenter in developed nations. Furthermore, one cannot fail to take into account that it requires an advanced scientific base , which requires a State capable of financing the work of scientists.
Some examples
A consulting firm that provides financial advice is part of the quaternary sector. Your service cannot be mechanized: it requires intellectual work that is carried out at specific times and according to the particularities of each client .
A private university can also be considered to be part of the quaternary sector. In this case, the establishment has a staff of teachers and facilities that allow its students to pursue various careers , acquiring professional knowledge.