While i don't generally buy into Thiel's arguments, There are many big barriers between great scientific discovery and massively deployed product: 1. Unneeded

While i don't generally buy into Thiel's arguments, There are many big barriers between great scientific discovery and massively deployed product: 1. Unneeded regulation. 2. Power structures in industry. 3. Complex and expensive commercialization processes. 4. Lack of funding, lack of long term funding. 5. Market acceptance. 6. Lack of entrepreneurial talent and general talent in the relevant field. In this context, small sustaining innovations tend to produced more than radical innovations.