American socialism could and did. Think of what a Constitutional Republic upholding Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness (meaning Divine understanding and favor) could do. We would have faster-than-light transports already. Well, maybe, if such are possible. But you get the drift.
Do you even know what socialism is? There is little economic incentive for private companies to invest the $$ needed for a real program.
Of course they do it in movies so what the hey, warp speed ahead.