Frankly, I hate how, since the dawn of the computer and internet, when we say “technology” we tend to presume only software, web sites, and smartphones.
“Technology” does not mean semiconductor and code!
The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
The idea of technology was defined in 1829! Technology (“science of craft”, from Greek, techne, “art, skill, cunning of hand”; and -logia) was first defined by Jacob Bigelow in 1829 as: “…principles, processes, and nomenclatures of the more conspicuous arts, particularly those which involve applications of science, and which may be considered useful, by promoting the benefit of society, together with the emolument [compensation] of those who pursue them”
So what then even is “high-tech”? Even the definition of that phrase is redundant: “employing, requiring, or involved in high technology.” okay….?
Famed economist Peter Drucker noted long ago that only two things create value in business: innovation and marketing. Thus my perspective, the inventions that are much more tech than people think are the innovations that were widely adopted but aren’t necessarily code and silicon.
So, what are some inventions that are much more tech than people think?
- The Leatherman, multi-tool. I know what you’re thinking, “seriously?! that’s not what I meant.” When I was a kid, getting a pocket knife was a huge deal and that’s all there was. Now every handy adult has a multi-tool – the craftsmanship, the metals, the invention of the tools themselves… that’s all technology
- LED lights. I shouldn’t need to explain
- Synthetic alcohol. The most widely used recreational drug in the world (let’s be honest about what it is), without the hangover. Imagine the trillions of dollars in lost productivity that will be saved
- Broadcast. Here’s one I think best exemplifies my point that people today think of technology as the internet. What’s a high-tech invention that changed the world? First there was the printing press (technology), then the one we easily overlook as we clamor for podcasting and streaming: broadcasting – the radio and television. As you look at the lists of the most impactful innovations ever, you’ll see internet and you might see printing press but you never see the technology that put a voice in every home in the world
- The innovations in petroleum-based products – plastics. I was just playing with my old Transformers, with my son, and noting that then there was really only hard, colored plastic that eventually cracks and breaks. Today we have plastic that looks like metal, stone, and wood; and the number of lives saved because of the use of plastic in healthcare is, I presume, immeasurable.
Here’s a headline on CNBC that just bugs the hell out of me: More innovative companies aren’t just tech giants. Why does it bug me? Check out the article, it goes on to lead with a picture of a scientist in a lab at Gilead Sciences… then it highlights a video about New Brain Surgery Innovation… then it mentioned a hepatitis cure and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
All the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
Even the questions and answers on Quora pertaining to “non-tech” startups and innovations… (for example: What successful, recent non-tech companies are there?) Invariably, the answers are still always innovative companies (technologies) from customized bubble clouds to biotech to smart clothes to new farming techniques.
Great stuff! People need to understand what technology truly means.
I agree wholeheartedly, the word technology has been misappropriated and is now only applied to a small subset of technology. It bugs me as well.
As someone who has dedicated the last decade of their life to cleanTECH… Thanks for this! And don’t get me started on how software development has co-opted the term “engineer”.
I think that’s unique to the technology industry.
“technology industry” which is…? 🙂
…pretty myopic in general.
We call it technology because it sucks, when something actually works we don’t call it technology any longer 🙂
can you say “Genome sequencing’ ‘Advanced Composite Materials’ ‘Reverse Osmosis for desalination’??
I don’t think Texas views it that way. AUSTIN may view it that way, but go to Houston and see if they don’t think steel working is technology – that’s the first example that comes to mind.
My experience, everywhere is thinking it that way.
Paul O’Brien I’ve talked with people all over that realize that “Technology” is how they can do their work better. I am biased by who I’ve talked with, but Plasma Cutters, Drill heads, Livestock tracking, Soil samples. Granted lots of these have Code and and Silicon included in them, but in no way can code and silicon do everything that needs to be done.
Look at the problems the steel industry has – we’re re-opening blast furnaces instead of building new induction furnaces. And everyone knows that’s the wrong tech for today.
I’m honestly not sure if you’re arguing with me (for some reason) or agreeing with me LOL
Precisely: in no way can silicon and code do everything. Technology is not limited to that.
I’m saying that Austin people tend to think in terms of “another web site.”
That’s not how most people view technology. They view it as something that helps them actually get work done. And very often that work deals with the real world and not paperwork or marketing, but actually making sure that atoms either get shaped the right way or show up where they need to be.
In Houston, technology isn’t a bad word but there is a negative /less valued perception of ecommerce and digital technologies compared to more tangible tech.
Exactly.
“What does it do?”
“It extends your reach to the customer base to enhance your brand recognition.”
“I was hoping it would do something useful on our production line.”
I experience this all the time in Houston
Just to be clear – we have Emerson and National Instruments here in Austin that REALLY gets this. But most of Austin doesn’t.
Most of Austin today is “It’s like Uber, but for trash collection.”