The biggest danger to the flyover states is the states themselves. While investment in education remains high, the future doesn't look great. Top tier state research universities are seeing their budgets slashed and faculty poached by the ivys. Declining tax base, reduced federal funding and sadly an anti intellectual voter base will destroy the advancement opportunity of the middle class and hurt American R&D. The coasts meanwhile continue to pour money into investment and state schools.
Excellent article on the issue: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/10/midwest...