Technology, The Economy, and Society: Casting the Bridges—Introductory Notes

Abstract

This chapter is intended to provide basic ideas and concepts related to technology, technological progress and technological revolutions. It is designed to explain why technological changes constitute prerequisites enabling advancements along the socioeconomic development pattern. Moreover, it introduces the terms Information Revolution and information and communication technologies (ICT), placing them in a broad historical perspective. The chapter explains why information and communication technologies are labelled as general purpose technologies, demonstrating four major aspects underlying the advantage of ICT compared with other, ‘old’ technologies’. Along these lines, it exhibits the special relevance of information and communication technologies when implemented in developing countries. Finally, it briefly discusses the potential channels through which information and communication technologies may contribute to socioeconomic development in developing countries.