Disintegration of technological capacity

Loss of technical skills by society
Loss of technical know-how

Nature

Disintegration of technological capacity refers to the gradual loss or breakdown of a society’s ability to develop, maintain, or utilize technology. This problem can result from factors such as economic decline, political instability, loss of skilled workforce, or deliberate neglect. The disintegration undermines productivity, innovation, and essential services, leading to reduced competitiveness and quality of life. It may also cause critical infrastructure failures and hinder responses to emerging challenges. Historically, such disintegration has contributed to the collapse of civilizations, making it a significant concern for modern societies reliant on complex technological systems.

Background

The disintegration of technological capacity emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, when observers noted the rapid obsolescence of critical skills and infrastructure in both developed and developing nations. This phenomenon gained prominence following the collapse of key industries and the loss of institutional knowledge, particularly in sectors such as aerospace and nuclear energy. Subsequent studies highlighted the vulnerability of societies to technological regression, prompting international discourse on safeguarding essential capabilities.

Incidence

The disintegration of technological capacity has manifested globally through the erosion of critical skills, infrastructure, and knowledge bases in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and information technology. This decline is evident in both developed and developing nations, where aging workforces, underinvestment, and geopolitical disruptions have led to the loss of essential technical expertise and the obsolescence of key production facilities, threatening economic resilience and innovation.
In 2022, Sri Lanka experienced a severe breakdown in its national power grid, attributed in part to the loss of technical expertise and maintenance capacity following years of economic crisis and emigration of skilled engineers.

Claim

The disintegration of technological capacity is a crisis we cannot afford to ignore. As systems decay and expertise erodes, our societies become dangerously vulnerable—economically, militarily, and socially. This decline threatens innovation, security, and even basic infrastructure. If we allow our technological foundations to crumble, we risk plunging into chaos and irrelevance. Immediate, decisive action is essential to preserve our future and prevent catastrophic setbacks for generations to come.

Counter-claim

The so-called "disintegration of technological capacity" is a grossly exaggerated concern. Technology evolves, adapts, and often improves as old systems are replaced. Fears about losing capacity ignore the relentless pace of innovation and the abundance of skilled professionals worldwide. Worrying about this issue distracts from real challenges; our technological foundation is stronger than ever, and claims to the contrary are little more than baseless alarmism.