Technology is the application of conceptual knowledge to organized tasks involving people and machines that meet sustainable goals. This is a broad definition that encompasses all the ways in which we use technology, from simple hand tools to computers and space rockets.
Technological innovation is the process of creating and improving upon existing technologies. This can include developing new products, processes, or services that make things better, faster, cheaper, or easier. For example, a company might use technological innovations to improve customer service or increase productivity.
Although technology is the basis of many scientific advancements, it is often misunderstood by the general public. Some equate it with gadgetry, while others think of it as an uncreative, rationalist approach to life that is devoid of values. However, the concept of technology is much more complex than either of these views allow.
The study of technology is not only important to scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals; it is also critical to society at large. It is important to understand the ways in which technology shapes global change and how global changes shape technological development, so we can make informed decisions about the future of our world. This requires the participation of policymakers and other nontechnical stakeholders in technology design, and training them to have the analytic and technical capacity to engage with technologists. It also involves incorporating the impacts of technology into the policymaking process early in the design stage so that these considerations are incorporated into the overall solution.