Positive political surprises could be the impetus for idle cash to begin creating a virtuous cycle of more jobs and higher equity returns begetting consumption and even greater job creation.

FORBES: Despite Investors' Denial, The U.S. Economy Is Getting Better

Soon pharmaceutical companies or any other business that has a need for supercomputer power from time to time could be renting that power or creating it for themselves with their own idle desktop machines, said Mr Findlay.

BBC: Why the future will be easier to use

It is not hard to see a lobby from nations squabbling as to who would be the most worthy to be well placed as a priority for such investment and there would be spats as to would have to pay the costs as one nations work force sat idle, waiting for the other(s) to complete their work.

FORBES: Enduring Euro Or Currency Collapse

Firms may be less likely to increase investment when they have idle capacity and when they are less confident about the future demand for their products and services.

FORBES: The Magic Elixir for Job Growth