100 years of technology innovation

As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they offer for today’s technology leaders.
Check back each month for another post in this series.
A flat-style digital illustration shows a blue human figure standing at the edge of a cliff, using a rope and pulley to lower a cyan gear into the gap between two rocky gray cliffs. Interlocking blue and gray gears of various sizes bridge the chasm below, set against a dark navy sky with white clouds.
Blog Post

1966–1976: When systems beat stand-alone technologies

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As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they offer for today’s technology leaders.
A vector style illustration of a light bulb with interconnected gears inside. The image is rendered in shade of cyan and set against a dark blue background.
Blog Post
1956–1966: When science moved into everyday use—and risks emerged
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As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they...
This graphic image depicts a lightbulb containing a stylized map of the Earth's continents. It is a commonly used visual metaphor representing concepts such as global ideas, innovation, and technology.
Blog Post
1946–1956: When technology found its purpose
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As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they...
The image appears to be an illustration representing a team constructing or working on a rocket ship or similar structure.
Blog Post
1936–1946: When technology innovated under pressure
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As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they...
This artwork is a piece of minimalist vector illustration that depicts themes of ambition, progress, and achievement. The image features a stylized figure walking towards a glowing, triangular object resembling a paper airplane or a beacon of light.
Blog Post
1926–1936: When technology started to scale
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As McKinsey celebrates its centenary in 2026, this series explores the defining technologies of each decade and the lessons they...