One hundred reasons socially beneficial technology might not work

Technologies service many human needs. Socially beneficial technologies can also assist in resolving some of the world´s most pressing problems: climate change; access to safe drinking water; quality housing; universal health care. Often a technology already exists, awaiting to be applied. In other cases it is within grasp given appropriate prioritisation. This paper considers approximately 100 theories of and approaches to technology innovation and adoption regarding the question, How is the failure of socially beneficial technology explained? Approaches include legal, regulatory, political, philosophical, sociological, usage, psychological, technical, economic, commercial, and marketing. This paper creates a framework of six categories in order to classify and compare the theories. It then proposed further research steps to examine the question.