In that case it would be just that the system we have isn't great at finding new and better ways of doing things on it's own. And I wouldn't be so sure companies would rather develop new technology than keep their old for competitive advantage, as we've seen that not happen over and over.

I think a lot is just the sure thing, versus a new thing that might not work. Our leaders are in it for themselves, in the short term, they aren't thinking 10 years ahead but their next set of financial statements, their stock price on which all of their pay, and job security depends on, as they get paid all in stock options and the like now to a large extent.

Developing new tech doesn't help them, but saving 5% on the existing tech does.

But it's more than that, it's that the profit motive alone is just not sufficient to meet the needs of society. I'm not saying we need a full command economy, but there needs to be some enlightened direction to research and development beyond the profit motive, as defined by a host of nihilists that believe in nothing other than self advancement, as that is whom is leading our business and governments, which is another factor we have the wrong people in charge at every level from the top on down.