Technology is the application of knowledge for achieving practical goals. It includes both tangible tools such as utensils and machines and intangible systems such as software. The word is often used interchangeably with science, although it is important to distinguish between the two. Technology is an intrinsic part of any culture, and it shapes both the world and people within it.

Technological innovation is vital to modern society, but it comes with a range of benefits and drawbacks. It can lead to improved health and well-being, economic growth and social progress. However, it can also disrupt existing social hierarchies and cause environmental harm. It is therefore important to understand the nature of technology in order to minimise its negative effects.

The development of technology is a complex process, and it requires many different skills to be successful. It involves research, design, manufacturing and marketing, as well as education, funding and management. It can also create new jobs, as automation takes over many mundane tasks. This frees humans up to focus on more creative and rewarding work.

Education is one of the biggest beneficiaries of technological innovation. It provides students with access to information, communication and collaboration tools that they would otherwise have no way of obtaining. This has made teaching and learning much more interesting, which in turn has helped to engage students and keep them interested in the subjects they are studying.

Another big benefit of educational technology is its ability to automate many processes for teachers. This allows them to save time and effort, as they no longer have to spend hours marking papers or looking for specific resources. Technology can also be used to keep track of student progress, as it can upload assignments into an LMS and send notifications when a deadline is approaching or a mark has been received.

Businesses can use technology to improve their productivity, efficiency and customer service levels. It is also an important tool in enabling them to compete with rivals and achieve their business objectives. There are a number of different technologies that can be used in business, including IT infrastructure, cloud computing, data management and digital marketing.

In addition to its many business advantages, technology can also help to increase profits by reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This is especially the case when it comes to automation, which can allow businesses to work more quickly and effectively without sacrificing quality.

In terms of creativity, technology can encourage it by providing individuals with a platform to communicate and collaborate with others. This could be as simple as using a Pinterest board to put together a mood board for a client or as complex as automatically booking a room on Google Calendar for a brainstorming session. In either case, the end result is a greater output of creativity.