S.M. Cherry
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
S.M. Cherry is a technology historian and analyst whose work explores the trajectory of technological innovation, particularly through the lens of how past predictions align with actual breakthroughs. Cherry’s most-cited paper, “Write and wrong [technological breakthroughs]” (2004, 2 citations), offers a retrospective analysis of predictions made by IEEE Spectrum over its 40-year history, examining which technologies—such as the Internet, compact discs, and electric cars—materialized as forecasted, and which, like cryogenic chips and breeder nuclear reactors, did not. This work provides a valuable framework for understanding the gap between technological prophecy and reality, highlighting the complex interplay of scientific feasibility, market forces, and societal adoption. While Cherry’s citation count is modest, the paper’s unique contribution lies in its critical, long-view assessment of innovation forecasting. Cherry’s research is particularly relevant for students and scholars interested in the sociology of technology, the history of engineering, and the factors that determine whether a predicted breakthrough becomes a transformative reality or remains a footnote in technological history.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Write and wrong [technological breakthroughs]2 citations · 2004