TechnoEconomics

>I *get* the *economic* fluctuation, what I don't get is how *technological*
>ability gets tied to it!

Try this: The knowledge exists, but is still very expensive. An example
might be our very own space program. How many projects have been cancelled
or postponed because of budget constraints? (With the number of NASA people
on the list I'm sure I'll get an answer ;)

Money funds research. Research advances Technology. Therefore, economic
fluctuations will affect the development of technology.

As has been pointed out, in a severe economic slump, technology can decline
(We can by 10 TL10 ships for the price of 2 TL11 ships? Let's go retro!)
because of reduced demand. WHile only a severe catastrophe can reduce a
world's TL significantly, it can be stalled and degenerated by economics.

A final note: If you've  played Sid Meier's Civilization game, or games
similar toit, you know that economics plays a big part in your
technological advancement. Sure, you may know how to build the Hoover Dam,
but how long will it take to save enough money to build it? To be sure,
Civilation isn't the most precise model of population advancement, but it
is based on principles that hold through today and tomorrow.


Creativity over Originality.
Consistency is a Flaw.
J Roberson      [email removed]                 [email removed]