Lincoln Laboratory Technology Office Seminar: Prof Oliver de Weck

In this seminar, I will discuss what I have learned from studying the evolution of technology over long periods of time. This includes how to quantify technological progress correctly (generalized Moore’s law, s-curves and Pareto fronts) and how to plan for its future improvement through technology roadmapping and focused R&D investment. Case studies presented will include civil aviation, which connects humans and cargo across our planet, as well as the Deep Space Network (DSN) that is used to communicate with our interplanetary probes. I will conclude by speculating about the existence of a future technological singularity and what I see as the major challenges and opportunities for technology in general and aerospace in particular in the 21st century. This seminar is based on the recent book "Technology Roadmapping and Development" published by Springer Nature.