Why science and technology require political guidance to sustain development

It is commonly hoped that technological innovation will sustain development and obviate the need for extensive socioeconomic change. Historically, fre e markets have increased the quantity of technological innovation, which ha s in turn enhanced economic growth. This article shows that market selectio n probably will not produce the technological innovation required to sustai n development. Social structures and habitual practices also inhibit techno logical change, and market choices of technology could prevent ecologically efficient technological innovations. Only political direction of science a nd technology will optimize the contribution of technology to sustainable d evelopment. However, there is no theory or experience to act as a guide to policymaking. In addition, in the medium to long term, technology is indete rminate, selected by local process perturbations. This article suggests som e policy directions for science and technology and argues that models borro wed from the life sciences may permit more effective government direction o f the technology system.