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Originally Posted by edgeprod
Agreed, and that's why I was telling you what a nightmare it was. We found a way to change the quantum spin state of an electron, which has an amazing number of applications -- research grant not extended, because there was no "sexy" application for it. I wrote a rebuttal explaining that it was the key piece to time travel, teleportation, and instantaneous communication, and bam -- there's the money. It's a flawed system, for sure.
Although you just admitted you have "no idea what it's like in the US," it's interesting to know that the process is less onerous in your area. I'm glad to hear that.
Great point! I agree completely. I'll point out, though, that research for the sake of research doesn't mesh well in a free-market society. This plays better in Socialist- or Communist-trending economies like in China and Europe.
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In my opinion, government funding for "research for the sake of research" can work out extremely well, as long as the government doesn't try to get involved with the research itself.
Ideally, universities or funds would get funding based on past (but recent) performance (judged by discoveries or publications, not by applications), but would have complete freedom with regards to how they use that funding. That way, incompetent bureaucrats would be cut out of the process, while fundamental research could still take place.
Research for the sake of research and government-funded research are necessary for the growth of knowledge, though. Without these things, private companies would lack a foundation to build on.