As someone with a degree in physics and a comp phys background I would argue that this is a coordination problem and not one of applied science or engineering.

As someone with a degree in physics and a comp phys background I would argue that this is a coordination problem and not one of applied science or engineering. There is really no better demonstration of this than the nuclear power situation. We have already discovered the source of 'limitless' energy but we refuse to capitalize on it for political reasons. If you want more innovation you are going to have to fund it. Most of the smart people of this world are currently trying to figure out how to make Ads get clicks. Companies dont really fund the kinds of innovations you are suggesting because they will never see a return on that investment.