The following issues are addressed in this essay : a ) Models of Technology Trends : A discussion of why nanotechnology and related advanced technologies are inevitable . The underlying technologies are deeply integrated into our society and are advancing on many diverse fronts ; and b ) The Economic Imperatives of the Law of Accelerating Returns : The exponential advance of technology , including the accelerating miniaturization of technology , is driven by economic imperative , and , in turn , has a pervasive impact on the economy .