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What spurs technology revolutions?

Guest speaker Dr. John Parmentola argues that reduced federal investment and a more risk-averse society has slowed down the pace of innovation

Since the 19th century, the world has seen seven technology revolutions that transformed the world – thanks to funding from governments and wealthy patrons. However, in the past 50 years, there has been a slowdown in innovation.

In his guest lecture to University of Mississippi students and faculty, Dr. John Parmentola of the RAND Corporation proposed a new metric to guide federal investment policy in expanding the frontiers of knowledge and the next likely technology revolution.

This lecture was sponsored by:
School of Engineering | Office of Research and Special Projects | School of Liberal Arts | School of Accountancy | Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom


A brief bio

Dr. Parmentola is currently a consultant to the leading think tank RAND Corporation. He works on defense, energy and science and technology assessment, strategy, and planning issues for government agencies. He also does volunteer work for the National Academy of Sciences, and has been recognized for decades of outstanding work.

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