The various recent discussions such as: Strongtalk's
strengths/weaknesses, should it be included in Squeak; the power of
eToys; Lisp's power; the Lisp Machine; what Smalltalk has brought to the
world of computing that is just now being recognized (syntax, typing,
bitmapped displays); on and on ---- got me wondering about today's research:

If Lisp/Smalltalk (and their significant predecessors) have contributed
so much to computing - and so long ago - wouldn't you think that
someone, somewhere, is developing the next significant contribution(s)?
What R&D (or just plain "D") is currently in the labs that you feel will
be a significant contribution to computing in the near future? (I
know... tough question if the work is in a secret lab. And, who can
predict the future?)

I've heard Alan say that he wished that they had something else, other
than Squeak, to use for Croquet. But, Squeak is the best thing right now
for Croquet. Why? Is the answer merely a funding issue? Are schools at
fault (I've also heard Alan lambaste Stanford regarding their Java
curriculum) ? Do gov grants ignore the little guy in favor of
universities? 

What's your take on it?