I don't think technology for the sake of technology is a good reason to build it.
Advancing technology is interesting to work on, but deploying it in useful ways to solve problems is the part nobody wants or knows how to do. There's more to be done with what we have now.
That's a pretty pessimistic world-view you have there. How about science for the sake of science? or art for art's sake? Develop new capabilities and see what people can do with it - it's hubris to think that you can develop the future in a planned direction and be right. And as to not moving on until you've done everything with what you already have - that's silly. I mean, people are still doing novel stuff with pottery - I suppose we have to wait for your approval to move on to, like, bronze?
Advancing technology is interesting to work on, but deploying it in useful ways to solve problems is the part nobody wants or knows how to do. There's more to be done with what we have now.