Technology outpacing its use and need

Earlier this week CNN posted a very interesting article based on their interview of Microsoft's lead researcher Richard F. Rashid.

Rashid discusses some innovations we shall see in the near future and also expresses concern about the reduce of interest for Computer Science amongst students. He predicts a drop in the number of CS graduates coming through from US universities within the next 2 years.

This is actually in accordance with MS's stand all along. MS has always suggested that the education system and structure in the US does not produce nearly as many CS people as needed. Bill Gates was in D.C. last week after WinHEC speaking on a panel organized by MS. One of the things he mentioned was the need to do away with the H1-B cap. Makes sense, India and China can collectively supply more than enough CS majors to the world.

In this article though, what caught my eye was the issue of technology outpacing its need. I have to agree with this somewhat. I do not imply that research should be slowed down in anyway. But, I believe that there could probably be a better model of innovation which is targeted at quicker deployment.

In addition to outpacing its meaningful use, at times, the technology research follows paths which are unnecessary and offer no practical application at all. Such efforts are not only a waste of time and energy, but also a waste of talent of the people involved.