Read this excellent analysis below here is a pertinent quote from it.

“Which kinds of research and development projects in science departments are given the green light, and massive funding?

The kinds which solve problems? No. The kinds with the most potential benefits? No. The kinds which are sustainable and good for the future? No. The kinds which will either be immediately popular with consumers or create demand, and make the most amount of profit for the owners of production? Yes. Only this last kind is ever allowed a chance to develop, come to fruition, be extensively reproduced, while all the other kinds are killed, buried, and forgotten.”

Innovation and Capitalism