After reading Dr Bassett's post "Technology and Economic Growth", I couldn't help but form an opinion on Robert Gordon's premise. He claims that we are never going to see the kind of economic growth that we did during what he defines as the second Industrial Revolution, mainly defined by electricity, running water, and the internal combustion engine. This compares with the current Industrial Revolution, which he states began in 2002 and includes computing and information technology. As I would have to admit that if confronted with the choice, I would pick to live in the second period of development, I think he dismisses the significance of our current age too quickly.
Economically speaking, the United State's has continued to expand, especially after internet became widespread. Apple is currently the most valuable company in the world, and other technology firms like IBM and Microsoft are some of the wealthiest companies around.Yes, smartphones and tablets are not as important as running water, yet now that human's basic problems have been solved with technology, what else can be expected? This is not to downplay the importance of mobile technology however. It is profoundly impacting how people lead their everyday lives, and will continue to do so, especially once objects like Google Glass become the norm.
Economically speaking, the United State's has continued to expand, especially after internet became widespread. Apple is currently the most valuable company in the world, and other technology firms like IBM and Microsoft are some of the wealthiest companies around.Yes, smartphones and tablets are not as important as running water, yet now that human's basic problems have been solved with technology, what else can be expected? This is not to downplay the importance of mobile technology however. It is profoundly impacting how people lead their everyday lives, and will continue to do so, especially once objects like Google Glass become the norm.
No comments:
Post a Comment