I think scientists should pay their way, but one can't just judge value by what turns a profit in the short term. Elucidating basic knowledge that's either purely abstract or has possible application in the very long term has value too - and this is the kind of thing that is more reliant on government funding since it's not likely to be funded by industry.
I have no problem with the government trying to ensure that such work that does have commercial application generates profit for UK industry, but that shouldn't be the basis that research is prioritised.
I should add that I'm coming from a position of that the government should be pushing money into anything that's going to get a good return for the country on the investment.
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Date: 2010-09-08 12:08 pm (UTC)I have no problem with the government trying to ensure that such work that does have commercial application generates profit for UK industry, but that shouldn't be the basis that research is prioritised.
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Date: 2010-09-08 12:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-09-08 12:33 pm (UTC)