The problem with relying solely on private enterprise for R&D is that a purely profit-driven approach ultimately neglects important research topics for which investment cannot be justified on economic grounds. While there is a clear profit incentive for research in, say, pharmaceuticals or consumer goods, this is not the case with other fields such as several aspects of ecology, environmental science, toxicology, etc.So, although private enterprise is a very effective mechanism for coming up with new drugs, more efficient ways to transport things, cheaper ways of producing things, etc., it is not suitable for, say, evaluating the impacts of fishing on local ecosystems, or discovering that a drug has important long-term negative effects. The only way to make this kind of research happen is, indeed, to throw money at it or create incentive through legislation, thus making it economically viable, albeit in a roundabout way. The government is in the position to do just that.That is not to say that such research spending cannot be mis-spent. However, there isn't any real viable alternative, especially not strictly through private enterprise.
Dude, me too! I am still waiting to find out (it's been over 6 weeks since the pre-stimulus people found out they got funding). "Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Stem Cell Regeneration" - is that enough buzzwords for you?!
trak1May 15, 2009
The problem with relying solely on private enterprise for R&D is that a purely profit-driven approach ultimately neglects important research topics for which investment cannot be justified on economic grounds. While there is a clear profit incentive for research in, say, pharmaceuticals or consumer goods, this is not the case with other fields such as several aspects of ecology, environmental science, toxicology, etc.So, although private enterprise is a very effective mechanism for coming up with new drugs, more efficient ways to transport things, cheaper ways of producing things, etc., it is not suitable for, say, evaluating the impacts of fishing on local ecosystems, or discovering that a drug has important long-term negative effects. The only way to make this kind of research happen is, indeed, to throw money at it or create incentive through legislation, thus making it economically viable, albeit in a roundabout way. The government is in the position to do just that.That is not to say that such research spending cannot be mis-spent. However, there isn't any real viable alternative, especially not strictly through private enterprise.
darkblueantMay 15, 2009
rda, you know that computer you're using? That's science. If you don't like it, go back to rolling in mud and eating leaves that fell of the trees.
antc1986May 15, 2009
Dude, me too! I am still waiting to find out (it's been over 6 weeks since the pre-stimulus people found out they got funding). "Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Stem Cell Regeneration" - is that enough buzzwords for you?!
plant11May 16, 2009
He just announced millions of dollars in military research cutbacks. Fact check? News check?
caisbackMay 16, 2009
Digga Please...
secrityMay 26, 2009
Today, I am just f**king glad that god invented airconditioning; oh and this flourescent light right here.
secrityMay 26, 2009
Jet engines, rockets, penicillin, Internet
secrityMay 26, 2009
We certainly get a s**t pot full of foreign students in our colleges.
ieatcatfoodJun 2, 2009
EXHIBIT A: UfiaSpecies name Moronicus diggerusHabitat: Mothers BasementNiche: trollingCan it survive in nature? Hell naw