Innovations in science and technology tend to be linked to profitable economies.
It's not an accident that the center of science and technology in the modern era was the Middle East up until the 16th century when the Silk Road dried up. Then it took off in Europe when shipping trade replaced it. Remember Portugal? Remember Spain? Yeah, no one else does either. Once they ran out of stuff to steal from overseas, that was the end of their ride.
England was a hub of creativity.... till it became a nub of itself after WWII.
The United States of America managing to take off after it was found out that there was gold in them thar hills and then the advent of oil after gold and silver mining withered is not exactly coincidental. Add to that massive acreage of agrable land and other raw resources, and BINGO! The number one economy in the world.
Once the Ogallala Aquifer starts dipping really low.... well, let's just say that the Cannibal Riots of 2065 weren't pretty. Or won't be.
- oh, wait, you didn't hear that.