Exploring Resource Tiers

[AnrDaemon]

There's already multiple layers of productivity bonus, starting from generic, like computers, down to things like "farming machinery" which by itself require certain planning and organization.

[Deantwo]

There's already multiple layers of productivity bonus, starting from generic, like computers, down to things like "farming machinery" which by itself require certain planning and organization.

I agree, computers are the best example of a tool that increase productivity. But it is basically the only one.
Because it is a required component of spacecraft manufacturing, you will have computers before you start really exploring and the resources required are found literally everywhere. So computers isn't something new and exciting you achieve by exploring and expanding.

Even just something like "Super Computers" or "Artificial Intelligence Cores" which requires some advanced resources like Phlogiston and Bolite or something.

Just feels like the game lack progression in manufacturing productivity after you reach space. Currently the most advanced you get is shipping computers to your far away mining colonies if you are too lazy to make them completely self-sufficient to that stage.

[AnrDaemon]

It is an old "depth vs. breadth" issue, where "depth" is really just another word for "speedrun to endgame".