What is the Difference Between Technology and Technological Change

While the terms technology and technological change are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct concepts. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial in fields like innovation, business, and economics, where both play significant roles in shaping industries, economies, and societies. Let’s explore what each term means and how they differ.

What is Technology?

Technology refers to the tools, systems, methods, and processes that humans develop and use to solve problems, meet needs, or perform tasks. It encompasses everything from the simplest tools to complex systems and machines. Technology can be physical, like smartphones, cars, or computers, or it can be more abstract, like algorithms, software, and methods for solving problems.

Examples of technology include:

• Physical technologies: Machines, vehicles, and electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and medical equipment.
• Information technologies: Software, databases, and systems used to store, process, and communicate information.
• Processes and methods: Engineering practices, business systems, and techniques used in manufacturing, logistics, and services.

Technology serves as the foundation for modern life, from basic tools to highly advanced innovations, and can significantly enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality of life.

What is Technological Change?

Technological change, on the other hand, refers to the process through which new technologies are developed, adopted, and integrated into society. It involves the evolution of existing technologies, the introduction of entirely new ones, or improvements that lead to more effective ways of performing tasks or solving problems. Technological change can happen rapidly or gradually and has a profound impact on industries, economies, and cultures.

Technological change includes:

• Innovation: The development of entirely new technologies or the improvement of existing technologies to create new solutions, products, or services.
• Adoption and diffusion: The process by which new technologies spread throughout society or specific industries, becoming widely used and integrated into everyday life.
• Obsolescence: As new technologies emerge, older ones may become outdated or replaced, leading to shifts in industries and markets.

Examples of technological change:

• The transition from landline phones to mobile phones as a primary communication tool.
• The development of the internet and how it has revolutionized communication, business, and entertainment.
• The rise of electric vehicles as a response to environmental concerns, leading to the decline of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Key Differences Between Technology and Technological Change

1. Definition:
   • Technology refers to the existing tools, systems, and methods that are already in use.
   • Technological change refers to the ongoing process of development, innovation, and adoption of new technologies.
2. Nature:
   • Technology is a tangible or conceptual object or system.
   • Technological change is a dynamic process that describes how technology evolves over time.
3. Focus:
   • Technology focuses on the actual innovations, inventions, and devices used to achieve specific goals.
   • Technological change focuses on the progression, improvement, and impact of these technologies over time.
4. Timeframe:
   • Technology represents the current state of tools and systems at any given moment.
   • Technological change is ongoing and encompasses the past, present, and future evolution of technology.
5. Impact:
   • Technology affects how we perform tasks, communicate, and solve problems in the present.
   • Technological change affects how industries evolve, economies shift, and societies adapt over time.

Example to Illustrate the Difference

Let’s consider the development of smartphones:

• Technology: The smartphone itself is a form of technology. It includes the hardware (screen, battery, processor) and the software (operating system, apps) that allow users to communicate, browse the internet, and perform tasks.
• Technological Change: The technological change surrounding smartphones involves the evolution of mobile phones from basic communication devices to multifunctional smartphones. This change has been driven by advancements in computing power, network connectivity (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G), touchscreens, and app development. Over time, smartphones have become more powerful, with improvements in camera quality, battery life, and user interfaces.

In this example, the smartphone as a technology is the end product, while the technological change refers to the evolution and progress of mobile phone technology over time.

Conclusion

In summary, technology refers to the tools and systems we use to solve problems and perform tasks, while technological change refers to the ongoing process of innovation, development, and adoption of new technologies. Technology is the “what,” and technological change is the “how” and “why” behind the evolution of these tools. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for comprehending how industries and societies progress in a rapidly advancing technological world.