Final answer:
Governments have a critical role in investing in technology and infrastructure, especially in less developed countries. This involves not only physical infrastructure like roads and power, but also in human capital through education and healthcare to stimulate economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering whether it is inevitable that government must become involved in supporting investments in new technology, one must look at the larger context of a country's economic and infrastructure development needs. Governments play crucial roles in addressing market failures and in capital deepening. For countries with underdeveloped infrastructure like the one described, where electricity is inconsistent and transportation systems are basic, government intervention in technology investment is not just beneficial but often necessary to catalyze growth. Not only can the government invest in critical physical infrastructure such as roads and clean water systems, but also in human capital through education and healthcare, thereby creating an environment conducive to industrial development and economic progress. Moreover, in situations of global changes like reduced access to key resources such as oil, governments might need to develop long-term infrastructure plans, despite the challenge of aligning such initiatives with short election cycles and the potential political instability that may ensue.