What factor often explains the gap of a decade or more between the proof of a foundational technology concept and its widespread public reliance?
Answer
The time required for private industry to perfect manufacturing, reduce costs, and miniaturize components for mass adoption.
The delay between proving a concept (like GPS in the 1970s) and mass adoption (late 1990s/2000s) is attributed to the necessary effort by private industry to optimize production, lower consumer costs, and refine user interfaces.
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