What technology has been most important to the growth of the global economy in the last 20 years?

[Neil]

I'd have to disagree, 2 very basic products have been key in the growing economy, and still yield the most power.

Oil, there's never been more oil-wealth, and it's quickly becoming THE power-tool in industry.

And Mass-Production, Chinese Factory work is still massive.

Innovation, and Communication are some promising factors, but nowhere near big enough to move past the classics.