Chapter 7: System Interdependence

Major Topics

Technological systems do not operate as isolated entities but depend on other technological and non-technological systems.

The nature of the physical world is changed when new technology is created leading to possible changes in human behavior.

Technological systems interact with non-technological systems and human agency has potential opportunities to influence the nature and behavior of technological systems.

Chapter 7 Overview

• Technological systems are interdependent on other systems including technological, socioeconomic, and natural systems.

• Technological systems generally depend on other technological systems for some necessary inputs. The outputs produced by a technological system can become inputs to another system.

• Technological systems must be constructed or manufactured using other systems that depend on resource development and transportation systems.

• The manufacturing facilities in which components are made from basic materials and where systems are assembled from components are themselves technological systems frequently incorporating special purpose automated machinery.

• All technological systems interact with the natural environment.

• Technological systems interact with the other systems that form the infrastructure of human societies.

• Technological systems are physical objects that become part of the circumstances in which humans live. New technological systems can cause changes in patterns of human behavior.

• Technological systems encompass social and cultural interactions. People and societies influence the development and operation of technological systems through the allocation of human capital and other resources needed for technological development, control of access to natural resources utilized by technological system operation, and establishment of the requirements these systems must fulfill to be allowed to operate within the socioeconomic system and accepted by consumers.