In 1969, Buzz Aldrin’s historical step onto the moon leapt mankind into an era of technological possibility. The awesome power of technology was to be used to solve all of our big problems. Fast forward to present day, and what's happened? Are mobile apps all we have to show for ourselves? Journalist Jason Pontin looks closely at the challenges we face to using technology effectively ... for problems that really matter.

Jason Pontin: Can technology solve our big problems?

Can technology solve our big problems?

Apollo's $180 billion quest wasn't just Cold War bravado; it was humanity's leap, urging us to solve big, hard problems together.

The allure of big challenges like the moon landing fades as tech prioritizes incremental gains over transformative solutions.

Solving grand challenges demands political will, supportive institutions, true technological quandaries, and deep understanding.