The fact that progress exists does not technically constitute a counter-example. Maybe in a parallel world, where capitalism does not exist, the progress is 10x

The fact that progress exists does not technically constitute a counter-example. Maybe in a parallel world, where capitalism does not exist, the progress is 10x faster, or the funding is 10x more important. Maybe the capitalism needs some progress, so needs to invest in it, but has also as effect to cut the roots that would generate more progress. Or maybe not. My point is just that I don't think that what you point out does not really prove anything.