Smart phones have completely transformed access to information, finance and services in poor countries. Would a UN SDG focussed research agenda have prioritised technologies that enabled that, such as 4G, high density batteries, tiny low power SoCs, etc.?
Often, the future use of scientific study isn't obvious until many years or decades later. Wouldn't this just result in prioritising scientists who are good at writing funding applications that make BS claims about how this area of research will reduce global poverty? We already see quite a lot of that.
It seems to me that the most impactful technology rarely comes from SDG focussed research.
Often, the future use of scientific study isn't obvious until many years or decades later. Wouldn't this just result in prioritising scientists who are good at writing funding applications that make BS claims about how this area of research will reduce global poverty? We already see quite a lot of that.
It seems to me that the most impactful technology rarely comes from SDG focussed research.