All technology abides by S-curves, all life (including Ai), and all evolution.

In evolution the start of a new S-curve is called punctuated equilibrium.

In computational theory it has to do with breaking out of "local maximum". In game theory it may be referred to as breaking out of a "equilibrium".

It's important to note that these are all cascading S-curves. That is to say, smaller S-curves on-top of larger S-curves, which themselves are on top of larger S-curves. If you ever think progress is slowing down, zoom out.