Their purpose is to move the economic yardsticks ahead - to create jobs, increase productivity, and raise incomes. In the 21st century, the ability to create and apply commercially valuable knowledge will separate the economic leaders from the rest of the pack. Companies throughout the world's advanced economies know this and are seeking ways to use knowledge to create competitive advantages. As new knowledge flows from one part of the economy to other parts, the productivity of capital and labour both rise. A general-purpose technology such as computing illustrates how new knowledge can ripple through the economy with profound effects on both what is produced and how it is produced.
Success breeds success.