An enabling technology is an invention or innovation that can be applied to drive radical change in the capabilities of a user or culture. Enabling technologies are characterized by rapid development of subsequent derivative technologies, often in diverse fields. See General purpose technology. Equipment and/or methodology that, solely or in combination with associated technologies, provides the means to increase performance and capabilities of the user, product or process. An enabling technology have capability to radically improve or positively change the status quo. It is in recognition of this potential that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 targets the use of enabling technology to promote the empowerment of women. Historically significant enabling technologies The history of enabling technology can be broken down into three different time periods, the ancient era, the classical era, and the modern era. All three eras had extremely important enabling technologies within them, although the modern era has the most due to the industrial revolution and the information age. Ancient and prehistorical eras Mechanics: Established by Archytas the Tarantine as a combination of mathematics and structures Glasses: Allowed visually impaired people to actually see clearly for the first time Ceramics: Artificial material created by firing several raw materials together creating a hard, rock like product The plow: Farming tool that allowed for faster preparation of soil before planting Gunpowder: Revolutionized warfare from swords, catapults, and bows to gun fights Classical era The printing press: Revolutionized the way people conceive and describe the world they live in, ushering in the period of modernity The telescope: Allowed for more detailed exploration of the universe beyond what the human eye could comprehend Refrigeration: Allowed for human control of air temperature to keep goods and food fresh for a longer period of time Mariner's compass: Allowed sailors to navigate the seas without having to use celestial bodies Modern era Manufacturing: The rapid creation of usable products in large abundance, seen early in the automobile industry Reinforced concrete: Allowed for the building of taller and stronger buildings, leading to the birth of skyscrapers Elevator: Allowed buildings to be built higher instead of wider, which caused cities' population densities to spike Steam engine: The stationary steam engine was a key component of the Industrial Revolution, allowing factories to locate where water power was unavailable Electric motor: Machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using electricity and magnetic fields, creating a dynamic