Inflated tower concept may be an alternative to a space elevator

An alternative to a space elevator that is technologically feasible with current technology

Why we will never build a space elevator

I do not agree with this assessment which I believe to be overly pessimistic.  However there is not doubt the technological hurdles are very real, and it will probably be several decades before such a project becomes at all feasible under even a best case scenario. 

Much more promising is the prospect for a space elevator on the moon.  This paper discusses the possibility of and potential design of a lunar elevator.

Space elevator