"True economic drivers" are not made so by being wonderful technologies (although that can't hurt). They're made so by convincing those with money that they are, usually through marketing clout. But, success stories and grassroots marketing work too.
So far, Erlang has not had this. So if you think it belongs in the spotlight, then by all means, make something awesome with it. Get on the front page of the Wall Street Journal or something and talk about it, then people may listen.
But maybe there is more to do. you see, it can not always be a single effort.
I suggest that, we technologists and computer scientists might have the responsibility to lead and share in our local societies. If we create a star fish model technology interest groups that work to share knowledge in local communities. host meetings for training locally. use public schools and at the same time educate youth on the new emerging programming languages and systems. invite local corporate IT managers, and IT staff, business decision makers to local meetings to raise awareness on Erlang and other technologies as well. Show casing each. then we can get funded by these very companies that benefit from such services.
botom line is, economic drivers, can be created using new technologies, when understanding propagates on the value put with each of these new technologies. however, untilnow, the history of that course has been tightly coupled with corporate america as opposed to grass roots efforts whcih work on creating these technologies.
Venture capitalests, would find it easier to fund emerging technology companies when public awareness is already there about them.
So far, Erlang has not had this. So if you think it belongs in the spotlight, then by all means, make something awesome with it. Get on the front page of the Wall Street Journal or something and talk about it, then people may listen.