Technology is the application of science for practical purposes, and it is centrally important in structuring the modern world. “Tech” is often used as shorthand for computer science-based technologies, as the revolutions ushered in by the internet and devices like smartphones are perhaps the defining advances of our era. Applications of technologies like data science, cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain are redefining our daily lives and creating enormous new business opportunities.
However, cutting edge technology applications aren’t limited to the purely digital world. In factories, digital manufacturing and design technologies can create tremendous gains in efficiency as well as entirely new capabilities in the production of physical goods, as part of the paradigm known as “Industry 4.0.” Healthcare delivery and medical science are being transformed by genomics, bioinformatics, and other technologies that promise to dramatically improve our quality of life and perhaps even extend lifespans. Even the arts are discovering new avenues for creativity with the possibilities offered by visual effects, audio production, and interactive media.
While it has become easy to take technology for granted given its prominence in our lives, it is important to learn about these different areas to understand how our world works - and to anticipate the changes (and opportunities) ahead.
