Two meanings
- A technology that enables a broad range of other applications to be developed or operate effectively. An example from the past might be transistors, which enabled a vast array of products and devices ranging from radar to compact radios, etc. From a commercial, intellectual property and licensing perspective the key issue such an enabling technology presents is that a single commercial entity can rarely exploit within a reasonable time frame all the potential applications which is a strong commercial argument for licensing. Sometimes referred to as a “base technology” or “foundation[al] technology.”
- technologies such as devices, software, and services that help disabled or infirm individuals, live independently and enhance their quality of life, including software, equipment, domestic automation and robots, etc.