Research went on a long time without gov (tax )dollars and lots of stuff was invented.

I think you have to distinguish between true research (science) and economic research.

In the green stuff the tax payer risks his $ but does not share any profits (i.e. grants , loans , and credits). Plus the gov is a terrible judge of merit and business practices so our $ are just thrown down a rat hole. And that does not even address the question of who's friends get the tax payers $ (crony capitalism).

BTW IMO this thread is as close to the edge as we can get - it might have to go by-by.