I think this line of reasoning subtly assumes mind-body dualism[1]. Intelligence is necessary but not sufficient for the creation of technological civilization. Dolphins and other cetaceans are an example incredibly smart creatures that lack the necessary lifestyle and opposable thumbs to create technology. Octopi are likewise excellent problem solvers whose technological ambitions are thwarted by a very short lifespan and a generally solitary nature.
Human technology is at the crossroads of the right physical attributes mixed with the right kind of intelligence and subjected to the right kind of evolutionary pressures. There may be (or may have been) creatures with more "raw" intelligence that cannot be applied to the development of technology because one of the other factors is missing.
Human technology is at the crossroads of the right physical attributes mixed with the right kind of intelligence and subjected to the right kind of evolutionary pressures. There may be (or may have been) creatures with more "raw" intelligence that cannot be applied to the development of technology because one of the other factors is missing.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind–body_dualism