Agricultural technology is unavoidable, directional, combinatory, disruptive, unpredictable and has unintended consequences. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sadras, Victor O
• Is Part Of: Outlook on agriculture. Volume 49:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Biosphere -- economy -- sustainability -- investment -- research and development; Agriculture -- Periodicals; Agriculture and state -- Periodicals; Agriculture; Agriculture and state; Periodicals; 630.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0030727020960493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-7270

Abstract

Science historian James Burke, scientist turned writer Isaac Asimov and polymath Stuart Kauffman have all argued, from different angles, that technology is unavoidable, directional, combinatory, disruptive and unpredictable. They also highlight the unintended consequences of technology seeking to fix a problem and creating new problems and opportunities. Here I draw on their vision to outline these features of technology with a focus on sustainable agriculture and highlight their implications for investment in research and development, and connecting public policy and technological change.