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Society's priorities influence technological advancements from "summary" of How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
The direction of technological change is determined by societal preferences and priorities. The development and adoption of new technologies are not driven solely by scientific breakthroughs, but also by the needs and desires of society. Whether it is the shift towards renewable energy sources, the advancement of healthcare technologies, or the rise of digital communication platforms, technological progress is largely shaped by the demands of the society in which it exists. Innovations that do not align with society's priorities often struggle to gain traction. For example, despite the potential benefits of nuclear fusion as a clean and abundant energy source, progress in this area has been slow due to the high costs and technical challenges involved. On the other hand, technologies that address pressing societal issues, such as climate change or healthcare access, ...
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