Is it possible that human beings in "developed nations" are too comfortable to seriously want innovation as a whole? If your basic physical needs as a society a

Is it possible that human beings in "developed nations" are too comfortable to seriously want innovation as a whole? If your basic physical needs as a society are already met, what motivation do you have to develop better technology? Perhaps a small group of people/organizations are open to the change inherent with technology development/deployment, but a large group likes the status quo because they are uncomfortable with the uncertainty that comes with change that may affect them adversely for the short term. The net result would be that the society as a whole is more sluggish to change in a directed manner. Without an explicit high-level mandate like "Every year, we will spend at least 10% of revenue on R&D in such and such an area.", it's harder for things to change. I might even venture that a society without strong top-level mandates/directives like that is like a a human being who has sensations, and reflexes, but no conscious control over his body, or even self-awareness. This may be an exaggeration but that's an idea.