Uneven technological development and slow economic growth in the developed countries is a troubling symptom of global development at the turn of the century. Breakthrough technologies and new materials and energy sources have not yet become the object of attention from private investors. The social consequences of the use of new technologies and materials have not yet been evaluated by scientists. A systematic and comprehensive study of the economic, environmental and social impacts of a wide industrial use of basic technologies of the first half of the XXI century should become a major focus in the evaluation of future structural changes in the industry, transport infrastructure and employment.