The real future is a fully distributed series of microgrids, which affords all of distributed generation, smart grid coordination, and resilience. If you want to work on this, think about joining Enphase, which makes grid-forming microinverters and the software to coordinate on a micro and macro level: https://enphase.com/careers

A 'smart grid' that continues to give utilities a mainframe style monopoly position will not work and will never be the solution. They simply aren't capable of building or maintaining the infrastructure, at any price.

Or email me if interested.