Timing Matters: Tackling Intractable Problems

Taken collectively, Neil Armstrong's trip to the moon is a case study of applying the right solutions to the right problems at the right time. Unfortunately, untimely solutions are rather common, such as the invention of the field effect transistor before the availability of silicon planer technology. Given that we got a man on the moon by focusing on an intractable problem, today's grand challenge is harnessing our energies to resolve those intractable problems that realistically threaten humankind. Intractable problems, networks, information technology