The TV program was designed to show how the French TGV was evolving into an AGV and discussed this technological achievement. The Bullet Train in Japan preceded the TGV but now the network in France is so inclusive providing high speed rail travel to all corners of the country it makes our rail network look positively antediluvian
For historical record the British were mentioned. Having, with Stevenson's Rocket, laid the foundation for economic rail travel. We progressed from the Rocket to the Mallard and then ..... We stopped.
Diesel and diesel electric power units provided better more economical trains but as to being in the forefront of design we gave up.
Why can the French remain leaders in mechanical design, locomotive design, nuclear plant design, fields where we used to be world leaders. Of course they decided to fund the business.
Whilst we run everything through the Market to find if there is economic interest, the French had a vision of their national prestige and recognised that technology has its payday in ways which take 'long term vision', "something we have forgotten".
The nuclear power plants that the French will design for us will be done at a premium. We have no alternative, the 'market' can only calibrate a profit today or in the immediate future, share- holders will not wait for their dividend and so we are caught in the short-termism which identifies our nation.
Once proud and innovative now low key a diminutive.
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