What area of research and developement do you think will most help humanity right now and in the near future? Also, how do you think we should make that developement happen faster? I think we need to expedite advances toward space colonization. Specifically- more efficient launching technologies, asteroid mining and orbital manufacturing. Currently, getting things into space is rarely cost effective. Communication satelites are a financially sound investment from a marketing standpoint, and certainly increase the efficiency of trade in the global marketplace. Also they have strategic value, which is difficult to quantify. But beyond that, theres little productive value in going to space because its so expensive to get there. I would like to see more emphasis from both public and private sector to seek solutions in reducing the resource cost of getting people, equipment and materials into orbit (and back to earth). If we can establish industry in orbit (or on the moon), tractor asteroids for certain basic structural materials and use that to build further industrial base, I foresee the following benefits: -cheaper (in the long run) production cost of more distant space travel/colonization -better disposal solutions for industrial waste (dump on dead planets or the sun) -larger pool of certain resources (limited only by travel distance to asteroids) -easier manufacture of heavy equipment in zero gravity -access to alternative energies (more efficient solar and eventually fission/fussion methods too dangerous for terrestrial use). Eventually humanity will have very limited choices for growth- expand off world, impliment severe population controls, or increase violent conflict for resource and territory. The first option sounds best to me, and the sooner we start working towards it, the sooner we'll get there.
Technological Developement Just a few quick thoughts on the topic. First, I think global warming is a major challenge for all of humanity & many plant & animal species on the Earth. Developing technology that can filter out greenhouse gasses at a faster rate, would be helpful. Developing technology that can provide cheap, non-carbon based energy would be another high priority goal. Getting rid of the monumental accumulation of waste materials--notably plastics--around the world, & especially in the oceans, is crucial. I also encourage more internet connections across national boundaries for personal & business use. I think that helps all humans recognize that we're all human. And that helps promote world peace.
Genetics and bio-engineering. The ability for us to modify the human body to be more resistant through either biological or technological ways will be the most important thing. It's all find and dandy colonizing space but you won't be doing it for very long if your body can't handle the changes in gravity and radiation. It's also not cost effective to transport a human biosphere everywhere you go in space.
