Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Is Michigan the Next Space State? Innovation, Adaptation, and Feedback Loops

If your wondering what is exciting in the U.P. you have to read this The New Yorker article by David Rompf entitled 'The Plan to Make Michigan the Next Space State'. The race is on and the U.S. needs to be at the top of it. We aren't talking about just sending a global net into the air but the actual discovery of new things and space dominance (commercial shipping, mining, military, exploration, etc...). Space will be that new frontier in the same way that sailing around the globe and developing the first plane changed our lives (ok...for the younger age...the invention of the cell phone as an example!)

The U.P. is a perfect place for space development. It is rural, surrounded by water, and rugged. You can find some of the world's most noteworthy natural forests. It is the type of place where people gain a sense of what it was like before the advent of technology (I actually know people who trap as augmented income.). We are talking about taking something as outback as Siberia that allows for measurable cluster development (Its an unfinished theory based on the humanistic and natural way in which new ideas are created, spread, and developed for production to create innovative avenues for industries. It may not be a good idea but its seems to be fairly consistent in its orientation. I'm not 100% convinced I have seen much better out there in terms of national/industry macro innovation. Meaning, the cluster spearheads emerging technology where all the elements come together and the wider industry can adapt to the new developments through national/global export of new products/services. Maybe there is better theoretical stuff but I haven't yet seen a relatively holistic theory on the topic. Bits and pieces but not holistic. This theory is ugly and unfinished and needs to be rewritten to organize the majority of the content into an easier to understand/practical application (Using my DBA mindset.) However, I think you can see that each of the major points are justified and related into a semi cohesive concept. Maybe not....I shouldn't quit my day job! ). 

There are criticisms of new government development by some locals and I guess and we should be willing to pay attention to some of those criticisms. I find that while criticism are heartfelt, they also based on fears of the unknowns. If people feel that environmental factors are of concern or they are unsure of the impact on community they will have questions (We, as national institutions, should welcome and expect them.). 

Understanding those issues helps in developing better policies and potential community oriented outcomes that lead to greater support and coordination. Perhaps community members need more information, we might be able to make adjustments that allay fears, or we could hire as many locals possible to maximize impact to people they see on a daily basis (We meaning as a societal institution we all have stakes in its success. ).  Small changes can go a long way. (I'm a big supporter of our military and believe that it is one of those institutions that runs by a moral code. It can be mostly trusted because its essential values are based in honor and integrity; even when others don't want to hear it or want to see it. Yes, it also has room for improvement.)

That being said there will be from time-to-time unreasonable personalities and of course once you provide relevant information and engage to create positive prosocial outcomes the responsibilities begin to lay on such people to make the effort to understand and adjust. "Agendas" are different then feedback. Legitimate concerns should always be taking with a full ear yet those who say the same thing over and over without a resolution are going to be more challenging to work with.

As with everything we do in society, there will be benefits and costs. To me, our military is essential to our national development and sometimes we will need to look at the bigger picture to see why that is the case (That doesn't mean other institutions are also critically important. Bread and Butter arguments.). Our nation will soon be competing on a level we are not accustomed in modern times and younger generations (The Digital Era brings positive benefits and increased adaptation. Those nations that adapt quicker can also master this new era. The space race is part of that mental and technology transition. Of course we no one can say for sure but the data seem to indicate major societal and technological shifts that are likely to impact geopolitical structures. i.e. Russian last grasp for greatness, Arab Springs, Capitol Riot, and general shifts in national/international sentiment as information more easily passes across the globe. It is incumbent on all of us in society to work together to find solutions that not only put the U.S. in its best strategic position but also create greater international support. I have a perspective but of course that doesn't mean its perfect or without fault...but just that it is only maybe possible. A few related interesting pieces...   Economic Platforms, GDP Govt Mind,  Infrastructure BillInnovation Act, Advanced DemocracyChina 2033 ).

I two thumbs up Michigan as a Space State 👍👍 (It will likely come with other benefits. Time will tell.....)




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