For various reasons, technology development in the Empire was extremely distorted. High technologies, including nuclear weapons, were all controlled by the Royal Academy of Sciences of the Empire, which itself was completely under the control of the Emperor.
Nine years of compulsory education? There was education, but no obligation, and the cost for commoners to attend school was enormous.
Higher education? It existed, but only nobles were eligible to study, and any subject involving cutting-edge technology was severely castrated.
The common citizens of the Empire knew how to use various popular technological products but had no understanding of the principles behind them.
The condition of the Empire's nobility was relatively better, but not by much.
