If writing fits your definition of "technology" then the word loses every meaning.

Not the OP, but permanent record of past events is definitely a technology, regardless if the underlying medium is papyrus or a solid state drive. Much like a weapon covers a wide spectrum of sophistication, from a crude wooden club to HIMARS.

For vast majority of our species' existence, we had no ability to record events permanently, and, as the OP says, this technology enabled the first states to collect taxes and grow beyond a certain natural modest size.

I don't see how a definition of technology that does not encompass writing could ever be useful.