HighTech

High tech, or high technology, refers to products, services, and processes that rely on advanced scientific knowledge or engineering. It is used to describe technology-intensive activities characterized by rapid development and strong potential for economic impact. The term is often contrasted with low-tech or traditional sectors, though many industries blend high- and low-tech components.

Examples of high-tech sectors include information technology, semiconductors and electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, medical devices, and energy technologies such as advanced batteries and solar cells. In consumer markets, devices and systems with cutting-edge capabilities—smartphones, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled software—also fall into high-tech categories.

A common feature of high-tech activity is high research and development intensity and fast product cycles. High-tech firms typically require substantial capital investment, skilled labor, and robust intellectual property protection. Global supply chains and collaboration between industry, academia, and government are also common.

Policy and economic development strategies often focus on supporting high-tech activity through funding, tax incentives, education, infrastructure, and defense or space programs. Notable high-tech centers worldwide include Silicon Valley, parts of East Asia such as Shenzhen and Tokyo, and other technology clusters. The definition and scope of what counts as high-tech are context-dependent and evolve as technology advances.