Most Important Technological Innovations in History - Part 1

In May 2025, nevetal will be a fully-fledged adult - 18 years old. Meaning the company has been providing IT solutions and support to various industries for nearly as long as the author of this blog has been alive. In that time, we've had a first-row seat at witnessing the exponential evolution of technology. Whether it's the newly introduced AI, social media apps such as X or Instagram, our lives have been profoundly changed by these innovations. But which have been the most important tech innovations in history? If we ask this question again in two years’ time, the answer might be very different. 

Stone Tools 

This might not have been the heading you were expecting. Stone tools represent the first form of technology used by humans. Over 2.6 million years ago, Homo habilis began making small tools for cutting scraping and hunting. As time went on, these tools would become more sophisticated, such as spearheads and knifes. These advancements provided early humans with a significant competitive advantage in their quest for survival. 

The Wheel 

Wheels, in conjunction with axles, made the transportation of goods much easier. The relatively frictionless movement allowed for heavier loads to be transported with far less effort, revolutionizing trade and commerce. Their introduction paved the way for carts, wagons, and eventually automobiles. 

Automobiles 

Picture this: it's London in the late 19th century, where everyone is walking or is using horse-drawn carriages. The streets absolutely reek; I'm sure you can guess why. The sheer volume of horses resulted in endless manure and poor hygiene, which slowed down travel and making the city a breeding ground for disease. Enter the automobile - otherwise known as the horseless carriage - a machine that not only promised faster and more efficient transport, but also helped clear the streets of one of the biggest urban nuisances of the time. Automobiles were game changers, reducing travel time, revolutionizing industries, and making personal mobility more accessible than ever before. 

Electricity 

A truly irreplaceable tool in life, electricity has literally powered a plethora of new advancements. The lightbulb, the alternating current, transistors, the electric motor – plus something recent in the form of the internet. None of these would exist if it were not for the discovery of electricity. 

The Internet 

You know that frustration you feel when you're in a remote area without Wi-Fi or mobile data? The sense of isolation can be overwhelming, as if you've been cut off from the world. That's because the internet keeps us connected to everything - communication, entertainment, and other everyday essentials. It's not just a tool; it's the backbone of our connected world. Without the internet, nevetal would never have come to life.  

Conclusion 

There are, of course, many innovations we have yet to list, which we will cover in Part 2. We’re not aiming to account for every single technological advancement—otherwise, we’d need hundreds of parts! We hope you enjoyed this blog and found it insightful. Stay tuned for the next instalment. Which of these do you think is the most important? Let us know in the comments!