Remember enjoying sci-fi movies as a kid and thinking we would have jetpacks sooner or later? Or teleporters? We don’t have these technologies yet but we do have many impressive technologies that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. Our cars can direct us around a city, via GPS. We can carry tablet computers around with us that hold our data. And we can speak with associates around the globe at the push of a button.

So, with all of this technology, why don’t we have jet packs yet? What variables are preventing us from making these technological leaps?

Building a Better Battery

First, there is battery power. Simply put, the batteries powering our smartphones and tablets must be recharged too often. A more powerful battery will permit us to run our gadgets for weeks at a time and charge them again in just minutes. This battery doesn’t exist yet. However, it might be coming: researchers at Chicago’s Northwestern University are creating a far more powerful lithium-ion battery. If their prototype becomes commercially viable, it will likely be a game-changer.

Improving Internet Access

The second limiting factor has to do with access. Simply put, not enough of the world’s population has access to high-speed Internet access. It may seem like every public library, bookstore, and cafe’ provides its patrons with access to high-speed wireless Internet, but this is largely a mirage. The majority of humans don’t have easy access to the web. Until this occurs, we’ll be unnecessarily limiting the growth of technology. The more minds that are linked on the Web, the greater the possibilities are of reaching the next tech breakthrough.

The Business of New Tech

Last but not least there is the bureaucracy. Business matters, like patent laws, can slow down technological progress. Individuals and businesses that come up with revolutionary things have to first traverse these waters. But if government regulations are clear and easy to comprehend, it could reduce some of this.

While these are some of the issues that prevent technology from advancing, it still is advancing at a rapid pace. So who knows what is in store for us in the next year or two.

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