Something I've been unable to figure out: what is the trick you have to invent to make wood pulp paper? Is it chemical, or do you just need to keep smashing at wood chips in water?
Water power is limited. Consequently, you have to make choices as to what you are going to use it for. At that point economics kick in.
Until your demand for paper significantly exceeds supply, you won't start looking for a better process. And then it took until the steam engine until such a process became economical.
(And chemicals ...)
Technological advance almost always consists of many incremental steps that have to come together simultaneously.
Generally, the limitation was economic--if there was enough money at stake humans are clever enough that they will find a way.