The story of technology : how we got here and what the future holds / Daniel M. Gerstein.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foundations. In the beginning ... ; Perspectives and definitions ; Foundations of technology development ; The modern age of technology -- Managing technology. Leading at the speed of technology ; Assessing technology ; Technology development methods ; Managing technology in an unmanageable world -- The future. Thinking orthogonally ; Technology's effect on society ; The technologist's responsibility to society ; Reflections on the future of technology -- Conclusions -- Appendices. The technology lexicon ; TRL definitions, descriptions, and supporting information from the US Department of Defense ; Framework for assessing technology development and availability ; Operational view definitions from the US Department of Defense ; Elements of the DHS S&T portfolio review process ; Categories of activity for protecting technology.

Takes the reader on a journey into what Gerstein identifies as the central organizing construct for the future of civilization: the continued proliferation of technology. He proposes a method for gaining a better understanding of how technology is likely to evolve in the future, and considers three technologies that are now converging and will shape the future: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and the "internet of things".