The computer knows when you're researching Technological Victory. Everyone can see what everyone else is researching. Unlike the alliance victory, it's not complicated to determine whether you're going for the win this way. So why shouldn't the computer do something about it? Declaring war suddenly would be no fun, but my friend had an idea that would make it a little more challenging. How about if any civ that noticed you researching Technological Victory declared a trade embargo on you? "We know you're getting farther ahead of us every day, and we might not be able to play catch-up, but darned if we're going to help finance your victory!"