High technology (high tech orhigh-tech), also known asadvanced technology (advanced tech)[1] istechnology that is at thecutting edge: the highest form of technology available.[2] It can be defined as either the most complex or the newest technology on the market.[3] The opposite of high tech islow technology, referring to simple, oftentraditional or mechanical technology. When high tech gets old, it becomes low tech, for examplevacuum tube electronics. Further, high tech is related to the concept of mid-tech, that is a balance between the two opposite extreme qualities of low-tech and high tech. Mid-tech could be understood as an inclusive middle that combines the efficiency and versatility of digital/automated technology with low-tech's potential for autonomy and resilience.[4]
Startups working on high technologies (or developing new high technologies) are sometimes referred to asdeep tech; the term may also refer todisruptive innovations or those based on scientific discoveries.[5]
High tech, as opposed tohigh-touch, may refer to self-service experiences that do not require human interaction.[6]
The phrase was used in a 1958The New York Times story advocating "atomic energy" for Europe: "... Western Europe, with its dense population and its high technology ...."[7] Robert Metz used the term in a financial column in 1969, saying Arthur H. Collins ofCollins Radio "controls a score of high technology patents in a variety of fields"[8] and in a 1971 article used the abbreviated form, "high tech".[9]
A widely used classification of high-technological industries was provided by theOECD in 2006.[10] It is based on the intensity of research and development activities used in these industries within OECD countries, resulting in four distinct categories.[11]
In the 21st century, the high tech industry is a significant part of several advanced economies.[12] TheIsraeli economy has the highest ratio in the world, with the high tech sector accounting for 20% of the economy. High tech makes up 9.3% of theAmerican economy according toStatista[13] andCTech.[14]
Multiple cities and hubs have been described as globalstartup ecosystems. GSER publishes a yearly ranking of global startup ecosystems.[15][16] The study does yearly reports ranking the top 40 global startup hubs.[17]
The following is a list of the 15 largest exporting countries of high tech products by value in billions ofUnited States dollars, according to theUnited Nations.[18]
^"Atomic Power for Europe",The New York Times, February 4, 1958, p. 17.
^Metz, Robert (1969). "Market Place: Collins Versus The Middle Man",The New York Times, April 24, 1969, p. 64.
^Metz, Robert (1971). "Market Place: So What Made E.D.S. Plunge?",The New York Times, November 11, 1971, p. 72.
^Hatzichronoglou, Thomas: "Revision of the High-Technology Sector and Product Classification", OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, No. 1997/02, OECD Publishing, Paris.
^High Tech Trademarks by John Mendenhall, Art Direction Book Co; First Edition (January 1, 1985)ISBN0881080241
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