Technology for the Public Good?

Module 2

Is it true that technology is developed for the public, for the community, and as a result is a public good? 

When looking at the history of technology, one must consider the broader concept of innovation.  Even before the technology can be applied or leveraged, it must first have been created.  Technology is developed through innovation.  Simply, innovation is the process of creation (Innovation, n.d.).  Innovation could refer to an approach, process, model, service, or product (Innovation, n.d.).  It could be unintentional, accidental, or intentional, with little to no resources or with an overwhelming amount of time and money.  While the purpose of an innovation ranges, in a capitalist society, the marketplace will determine the access and value of said innovation.  Allowing access to novel innovations is a public good.  However, the copyright, trademark, and patent process, governance, and protections, while a public good, are a cause for concern.  Certainly, affording an innovator the ability to own and capitalize on their invention is very "American."  As much as this process may protect some, it also stifles innovation.  Corporations can squash innovations, that may be harmful to their practices but could be a public good.  Further, for decades patents were allowed on concepts rather than products allowing corporations and scientists to sit on ownership of ideas rather than actual inventions, again stifling actual innovation.  Additionally, with the legal costs surrounding the patent process, many small business owners and innovators may never even seek patent protection, easily allowing competitors to copy their innovations.  Even when protected, knock-offs can easily be made and distributed.  While an inventor, innovation, and governmental protection agencies may help to serve a public good, there may be consequences that also stifle innovation for the public good.