Science fiction and innovation: A response

Daniele Archibugi's use of the film Blade Runner to discuss future prospects for techno-economic paradigm change is considered in relation to several questions. Is science fiction a literature of prediction and, if not, what role might it have in developing insights about possible futures? Is the current economic malaise predominantly due to a shortcoming of technological opportunity or to a fiscal paradox and political decisions about how to deal with this paradox? Might the present day equivalent for techno-economic paradigm change be more about the innovations necessary to rebuild or retrofit our existing technologies than about producing new growth sectors?