Individual solar systems vary hugely in technological capacity, from the barely stone age to worlds using the most sophisticated manufacturing and computing techniques.

As a rule, technology is chosen to be reliable and robust, capable of local maintenance and repair, capable of use by any reasonably skilled human (even if not of a comparable technological background to that which produced the device) and as being reasonably affordable by the local economy.

Details of all permitted technologies are contained within the Imperial Library and can be accessed and utilised on request and payment of relevant fees.  Given this fact, independent research is rare, discouraged and rarely cost effective.

Most humans, even travellers, use technologies that are easy to interface with and prefer equipment that is capable of repair by those making use of it with tools such individuals could reasonably expect to have available.

Nanotechnology has proved effective in manufacturing at higher technology levels, but nanotech has not proved effective used outside of highly controlled conditions.  Semi-sentient AI and sophisticated expert systems are in use at some higher technology worlds, but are not widely used due to reasons of historical prejudice and evidence that widespread use of AI may be a factor in species extinction.  Fully sentient AI is an illegal technology.  Use of biotech is widespread, and many human subspecies exist.  Mainstream humanity has itself been highly modified, primarily to improve health and longevity.

Other proscribed or controlled technologies include techniques for manipulating stellar masses, artificial creation of black holes or other forms of singularity, experimentation with nanotech or comparable technologies, manipulation of zero point energy sources, attempts at faster than light travel through use of wormholes (currently the only method known which might work, although no method for creating or stabilising them is known, the proscription is due to desired causality constraints).  Further information on proscribed technologies is available on request to the Office of the Concordat.