[TameAntelope]

The state is people. There is no difference between "the state" and "its people". If its people are manipulated, the state is manipulated itself.

The state wants compliance as much as the people want compliance, which is certainly one incentive, but it exists in parallel with other, competing incentives.

"The state" doesn't exist as an independent thinking body. I don't think it's healthy to treat it like it does.

I do agree though, the incentives are hidden, non-obvious. Progress is incentivized because it helps the state, and it helps the state because it helps the people.

[dysrend]

I disagree with your premise. There has been a stratification of interests since the 70's which has isolated the state and has homogenized the state's interest with that of the elite echelon, they've intermingled to the point where they should be more accurately called the ruling class. Of course the body of the state as a whole is a different discussion, but the mind is what drives it forwards and is certainly interested, singularly, in maintaining current momentum and directionality over utilitarian or technological developments.