4 Eight Great Technologies

Futures are not only created by scholars, fiction writers, and eccentric visionaries. Sometimes those who envision the future have the power to make (or at least try to make) the development they imagine happen; their visions promote their interests in a particular future. Since World War II, governments have been major funders of scientific research worldwide. Available funding in specific areas of research generally compels people to work in those fields and results in new technologies that ultimately shape our collective future. This speech by David Willetts, who at the time was the minister of state for universities and science in the UK, outlines a strategy for the British government to promote science in directions that will benefit the UK. While Willetts's vision of the future expresses hope for solving various social problems along the way, his recommendation to direct immense amounts of money at scientific research is targeted to ensure that Britain maintains its political and economic status. He contends that science should generate both pride and a monetary return on investment. His strategy has a fair amount of nuance. Willetts doesn't believe that politicians are knowledgeable enough to direct science at a microlevel, but he does want to ensure that the government has some say in how its money is used. So he identifies eight major areas of research in which he thinks UK scientists possess a "distinctive capability"; he envisions this research leading to commercial enterprises. Choosing to invest in specific areas of research directly affects what research is conducted and, in turn, the possible futures that can be realized.