The biggest technological change in most industries in the last 20 years has been computer software related. Same with the auto industry.
Better computer modeling of the flow of gases in the engine (CFD) allow for better fine tuning of all passage ways and allows higher compression because of a better understanding of when the mixture will combust. Butter ECUs allow for better optimizing of the engine for different conditions (different loads, rpms, fuels mixtures, temporaries, etc). Better automation allows for more rapid iterations in physically testing everything which also resulted in an advance in material science.
The biggest technological change in most industries in the last 20 years has been computer software related. Same with the auto industry. Better computer modeling of the flow of gases in the engine (CFD) allow for better fine tuning of all passage ways and allows higher compression because of a better understanding of when the mixture will combust. Butter ECUs allow for better optimizing of the engine for different conditions (different loads, rpms, fuels mixtures, temporaries, etc). Better automation allows for more rapid iterations in physically testing everything which also resulted in an advance in material science.