Technology – as defined by the US National Academy of Science (cited in Jones 1996, p.17) – is a perishable resource comprising knowledge, skills, and the means of using and controlling factors of production for the purpose of producing, delivering to users, and maintaining goods and services, for which there is an economic and/or social demand. Ever since the Industrial Revolution (1780s), the impact of technology has been subject to public debate over its effect on employment – does it cause unemployment or does it underlie the huge increases in standards of living (Jones 1996, p.11