ABSTRACT
A technological revolution refers to a significant and fundamental change in production technology. In a long-term perspective, each technological revolution has evolved through phases, generally divided into the installation phase, the deployment phase, and the explosion phase. By the end of the 20th century, humanity had witnessed three technological revolutions. Although leading technology of the revolutions differs, they share common patterns: (1) ground-breaking scientific discoveries laid the foundation for technological revolutions, (2) increased market demand as an important driver of technological revolutions, (3) breakthroughs in general technologies as the key to technological revolution, and (4) institutional innovations as a solid assurance for technological revolutions. The Chapter finally concludes five effects of technological revolutions on urbanization. First, technological revolutions accelerate urbanization. Second, Technological revolutions as a force behind the rise and fall of cities. Third, technological revolutions change the internal spatial structure of cities. Fourth, Technological revolutions enhance the efficiency and level of urban governance. Lastly, technological revolutions profoundly affect urban–rural relations.
