aeusoes1 t1_j7p9i6e wrote on February 8, 2023 at 1:07 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if, with automation, you could shrink down to a population of less than 100 million. There would need to be a higher percentage of the population in STEM fields to get appreciable levels of scientific advancement, but it could be doable.

Wipperwill1 t1_j7q6vsv wrote on February 8, 2023 at 5:06 PM

As has been said, innovation would slow as the population declined but I think AI, robotics, and improved lifespan/health could make up for a bigger population. Hell, if you go far enough, immortal people (nano/organic) wouldn't need much in the way of support.