ABSTRACT
We start this book by providing you with a clear understanding of technology. To do so, we structure this chapter as follows:
First, we give you a definition of knowledge and technology by setting both terms in the context of the related concepts ‘symbol’, ‘data’ and ‘information’ (Section 2.1).
Subsequently, we describe various characteristics through which technology can be distinguished from other production factors such as labour or resources (Section 2.2).
Then we explain different types of technology, distinguishing between hard and soft, explicit and tacit, and process and product technology (Section 2.3).
In addition, we illustrate various media through which technology can be stored (Section 2.4).
Following this, we differentiate between five levels of technological capabilities a country may possess (Section 2.5).
Finally, we advance a dynamic view of technology, describing various patterns of technological evolution (Section 2.6).
