On the other hand, this issue reminds me of Peter Thiel's TedX talk, where he makes the argument that real technological invention may be slowing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOB7nezuQ7g

I agree assisting people to reach the airport on-time may morph into a larger corporate vision, but I disagree it's likely to contribute to solving cancer, making better fuel, or reaching strong AI. ...And it's arguably a distraction of rare talent from that calibre of problem.