Prospects in Science and Technology

Abstract

The current article approaches from a critical viewpoint the prospects in Science and Technology. Firstly, it describes how, in science, breakthroughs, discoveries and paradigm changes are totally unknown territories. Secondly, it analyzes the way in which technological prevision is presented as an adventurous art, frequently rebuffed by history. Thirdly, it explores the expectations for the future and their relation with what experts know as "clue" or "critical" technologies, towards which industrial countries currently orientate most of their industrial I+D. Finally, the future of policies on science and technology is examined.