从蒸汽轰鸣到算法驱动：全球制造业版图的五次迁徙与新拐点

Core Viewpoint - The manufacturing industry has undergone continuous migration, restructuring, and upgrading over the past two centuries, driven by technological revolutions and changes in national destinies, with a new wave of transformation emerging as smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence become key themes [1] Group 1: Historical Evolution of Manufacturing - The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century in Britain, marking the transition from handcraft to machine production, with steam engines enabling unprecedented manufacturing efficiency [3] - As costs rose and markets became saturated, Britain lost its manufacturing lead, prompting a search for new locations [4] - From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, manufacturing shifted to the United States, where abundant resources and technological innovation led to significant industrial growth, exemplified by Ford's introduction of assembly line production [5] - However, rising wages and costs began to erode the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, leading to further shifts [6] - In the 20th century, Japan and the "Asian Tigers" (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore) emerged as manufacturing powerhouses, known for high-quality production and integration into global supply chains [7][8] - Post-1990s, China became the largest recipient of global manufacturing migration, establishing a complete manufacturing system supported by a large labor force and efficient supply chains [9] - After joining the WTO, China's manufacturing value added remained the highest globally, but rising costs and environmental pressures prompted a shift towards transformation and upgrading [10] Group 2: Recent Trends and Future Directions - In the last decade, labor-intensive industries have begun relocating to Southeast Asia and India, which are becoming new manufacturing hubs due to demographic advantages and policy incentives, while China retains control over critical components and systems integration [11] - The manufacturing sector is now experiencing a technological turning point, with AI, industrial robotics, and green energy reshaping traditional production logic, emphasizing technology density, innovation, and sustainability as core competitive factors [12] - The evolution of manufacturing is moving from geographical migration to capability restructuring, with countries adjusting strategies to focus on high-end manufacturing, green industry, and smart manufacturing upgrades [12] - The future of manufacturing is characterized by collaboration and synergy rather than mere relocation, leading to a highly connected and clearly divided manufacturing network [13][14]