Well, I'd argue that till now many of our most vibrant flowers of innovation ultimately grew out of basic research into how the universe works. A deeper unders

Well, I'd argue that till now many of our most vibrant flowers of innovation ultimately grew out of basic research into how the universe works. A deeper understanding of the fabric of the universe seems enough to me to call it "societal progress" (with the OP saying particle physics no longer provides such new insight), but if you're looking for specific technologies that might come of it, perhaps consider the benefits that could accrue to human space travel.