This is something that really needs supporting proof (in so much as there is proof of any economic estimate). I'm sure a convincing case could be made for the contrary. A relatively small investment in a neglected transport system in Leeds (for example) may well yield greater returns.
But a Country's intelligence apparatus doesn't 'govern'. I'm not trying to be deliberately argumentative but it seems to me that there is a clear and obvious distinction between a government and the organisations tasked by it to provide intelligence.
How do they have those traits without being taught them? They are 'character' traits, but they are still taught. Surely we can agree you are not born with a good work ethic?
It seems to be a common mistake of our age to assume that decision makers are "incompetent" or "ignorant" when it comes to tech. Individually it is unrealistic to expect these people to be universally competent in any field of expertise. It has always been thus, and that is why decision makers surround themselves with expert advisors.
I would suggest we should never underestimate the deliberate and meaningful consideration taken by decision makers when it comes to complex technology. Regardless of if you agree with the outcome or not.
The UN is broadly as impartial and 'intelligent' as its voting members, which is kinda by design. The happy reality is that the UN is successful at most of the almost unimaginably diverse myriad of thing it's has to do. It seems to me to be a great choice for the role.
The truth of course it that lots of MPs do understand how people interpret this kind of thing. Truth is, most MPs are intelligent, reasonable people. Sadly they are often judged for the actions of the few reprehensible MPs that more often than not make it to the front benches.
I'm guessing you know how daft you sound. She frequently registered the lowest ratings in opinion polls of any PM. Ever. She was for much of her time despised by the majority, regarded as dangerously idiotic by the civil service and as an embarrassment by her own parliamentary party.
Do not fool yourself into thinking she won on her own volition. She won because of external influences, at least some of which were the fault of her opposition.