What are Quaternary Activities?

Quaternary activities refer to the highest level of knowledge-based economic activities, including research, development, innovation, information technology, consulting, and education. Quaternary activities are often referred to as “gold collar” professions. These activities involve the creation, manipulation, and dissemination of information and expertise rather than tangible goods. Professionals engaged in quaternary activities often work in specialized fields such as biotechnology, software development, and strategic management.

These activities can be outsourced and are not affected by the environment, tied to resources, or necessarily localized by the market. In developed economies, more than half of the workforce is engaged in the ‘Knowledge Sector’, comprising information-based services such as finance, software development, and education.

Quaternary activities are a subdivision of the tertiary sector of the economy. They involve the collection, production, and dissemination of information. Quaternary activities are knowledge-oriented and involve thinking, researching, developing ideas, collecting information, producing information, and circulating information. These activities contribute to the advancement of society through innovation, problem-solving, and expertise. They often require specialized skills and expertise, playing an important role in shaping the modern economy.

In this article, we will look into the meaning of Quaternary Activities. We will also discuss the characteristics of quaternary activities and their contribution to the economy. It is an important concept of Class 12 Geography. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on “Quaternary Activities”.