Smartphones have emerged as the single most impactful technological innovation shaping the past 20 years, commanding a dominant 60% share of recognition in the Bosch Tech Compass 2026 survey published by the Global Index, 2026 survey.
The data highlights a wide array of technological advances that have redefined modern life, with mobile computing standing far ahead of other innovations.
Artificial intelligence secured the second spot at 25%, closely trailed by social media and navigation apps, which tied at 24% each.
Communication and commerce platforms also featured heavily among respondents, with instant messaging and video conferencing selected by 23%, advancements in medical treatments at 21%, and e-commerce registering 20%.
Entertainment, home automation, and personal tech followed further down the rankings. On-demand streaming was cited by 18% of respondents, while smart home devices captured 14%, wearable technology stood at 11%, and electric vehicles reached 10%.
Rounding out the list of impactful innovations over the last two decades were business models and specialised mobility solutions.
The sharing economy gathered 8% support, while advanced driver-assistance systems closed out the findings at 7%.
