>>It is very unfortunate that this be so. If, for example, combating the World's hunger would be top priority, with hundreds of billions a year spent on that, then THAT would be the breeding ground for new inventions.
>
>That would be idea. But many third world countries are run by rich greedy corrupt people who have no idea what being poor is and even worse, they don't care.

Sorry to break the bad news for you, but so are many 1st and 2nd world countries. And they aren't beyond suspicion of installing the compliant guys in the 3rd world as rulers.