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Moving forward, how important (0=not important; 5=very important) is it that different sectors invest in research?
Results
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | 0.80% 1 | 2.40% 3 | 2.40% 3 | 8.80% 11 | 12.00% 15 | 73.60% 92 | 125 |
| Industry | 0.80% 1 | 1.60% 2 | 8.00% 10 | 18.40% 23 | 21.60% 27 | 49.60% 62 | 125 |
| Other | 5.41% 6 | 4.50% 5 | 7.21% 8 | 30.63% 34 | 25.23% 28 | 27.03% 30 | 111 |
Answer Explanations
- user-287804
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 1 0 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Federal government should be the main supporter of research in Universities. Industries can support their own research independent of Universities but may hire consultants among University professors. - user-753537
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 all are/can be important and help steer research to topics that are societally relevant - but i my opinion a balanced mix of goverment/industry is important - user-362477
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 1 0 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 It is important that our government doesn't completely stop funding all research, however, they need to do a better job of obtaining results for that investment. This is how industry funds research and it drives faster innovation. - user-190025
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 All political and economic sectors should be investing in science and health. - user-431541
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 All sectors together support science, research and development - user-628049
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 1 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Federal government most important, because federal funding, at least historically, has covered the broadest swath of funded areas for research. Although some sections of research are of course better funded by government than others (health more than humanities, humanities more than paleontology), the financial resources are still provided across the board - with the understanding (in general) that need for research is not based on political or even ideological bias, but on the needs, expectations, and real circumstances existent in our society. I believe "Other" sources, should be provided more opportunity and ability to contribute and invest in research. This is the most direct channel that individual people and groups in our society have at promoting research that is "close to heart". It's an avenue at research prioritization and sponsorship that avoids beaurocratic filters, oppositional pushback, and mandatory delays. One can spend a decade or two convincing congress to appropriate research funds towards understanding and treating a rare disease, before ever reaching the point of a beneficial policy change or treatment approval. Whereas a private sponsor or non-profit can provide funds more directly and efficiently, leading to quicker accumulation of data and next step progress. However most "other" sources provide funding on a shoestring - they want to give more, but there isn't enough back up wealth for them to do so. Industry will always be necessary, as it is how research developments reach the market, and become accessible (to an extent). However, industry should not be the primary source of funding as industrial and corporate priorities can be out of touch with public priorities and needs. - user-577239
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry has no interest to invest in research where the chances of a good revenue is very low, so Federal government has to priviledge that kind of investment - user-497412
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Depending on the type of research and each organization's priorities, one may need a mix of funding from the government, industry, and other organizations. - user-124276
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 A balanced approach for both the sectors strengthen the upcoming research and ideas. - user-114799
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Federal Government: The federal government provides essential funding for fundamental research alongside high-risk scientific projects that serve public interests without immediate market benefits.
Industry: Applied research needs industry support to scale innovative ideas and transform scientific discoveries into practical applications.
Other: Nonprofit organizations alongside educational institutions and international bodies fill critical roles in interdisciplinary and community-supported research areas that receive insufficient funding. - user-962029
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 1 0 0 0 0 Other 0 1 0 0 0 0 Federal contributions to research are typically less biased and profit-driven. Industry contributions stray from basic research, thus dramatically limiting the potential for discovery and correlated economic growth. - user-676080
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 - Federal Government: 5 (Critical for basic science, long-term innovation, and public goods)
- Industry: 5 (Key for applied R&D, commercialization, and competitiveness)
- Other (e.g., nonprofits, academia): 4 (Important for niche areas, interdisciplinary work, and societal challenges)
- user-481465
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Thats a clear way - user-547538
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 1 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Goverment funding should be top as it allows for independent research. Industry funding is biased. Results that they do not like are not published. Other can include non-profit organisations (eg disease associations) - user-154521
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 1 0 0 0 Industry 0 0 1 0 0 0 Other If things stay steady, funding would probably be too high, overall as it is currently 3.5% of overall GDP. Industry should fund less, or maybe federal, but it is already relatively low. - user-518140
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 I believe a balance between different funding sources is necessary for a healthy and diverse environment in the research enterprise. - user-709065
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 NOT APPLICABLE - user-717296
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 To ensure a robust, innovative, and equitable research ecosystem, it's very important (5) that all three sectors invest in research, each bringing complementary strengths and motivations. - user-683654
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Continuous funding in the sectors are very important. - user-816461
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Federal Government (5): Indispensable for funding basic research, public goods, and long-term projects with high uncertainty and limited short-term commercial return. Government investment ensures that societal challenges—such as pandemic preparedness, environmental sustainability, and fundamental science—receive consistent attention regardless of market trends.
Industry (5): Plays a vital role in applied research, technology development, and scaling innovations. Private-sector investment drives efficiency, productization, and competitive advantage. Its involvement is essential for ensuring that research translates into real-world solutions.
Other (5): Includes foundations, universities, NGOs, and international consortia. These entities often fund high-impact, socially oriented, or interdisciplinary research areas that fall outside traditional funding streams. They foster innovation in neglected domains, support capacity-building, and serve as a buffer against political or economic fluctuations. - user-47444
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other I think we need investment from multiple sources. Federal governments need to make sure they are funding enough basic, fundamental research because these base-level discoveries in chemistry, physics etc. are the foundation of technological progress. However, industry needs to provide the funding to take these base-level discoveries into viable products. - user-899866
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 1 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 I believe that raising funds for the federal government can significantly enhance sustainable development initiatives, ultimately leading to better quality of life and increased life expectancy for citizens. In contrast, raising funds primarily for industry often manipulates public priorities and may divert resources away from long-term social and environmental well-being. - user-807238
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 1 0 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 The Federal Government should have the highest contribution to research funding to ensure standards and ethics of the highest degree. - user-129134
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Federal Government and Industry sectors can invest in research - user-805249
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 1 0 0 Industry 0 0 0 1 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 It would better if it will be jointly funded. Others like research institute should also take a Lion's share in funding - user-80130
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 1 0 0 0 0 0 Government: Funds fundamental, long-term research without immediate profit goals. It ensures scientific independence, supports public interest areas (health, environment, education), and reduces funding inequalities.Industrial sector: Supports applied research and technological innovation. It accelerates product development, boosts the economy, and transforms discoveries into practical solutions. - user-534157
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 A well mixed soup of profit and non-for-profit interests is always the best way to cover all aspects of science - user-132935
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 All sectors must share responsibility for advancing science, technology, and innovation. 5/5 importance is warranted across the board—especially in the face of global challenges like climate change, pandemics, food security, and AI governance - user-725082
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 There should be 50:50 partnership in funding when it comes to government and industry research. - user-983537
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 1 0 0 0 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 It is important to increase funding by private foundations. - user-629372
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry should provide research funding through independent foundations to promote transparency, reduce bias, and ensure that study design, analysis, and publication are guided by scientific integrity rather than commercial interests. - user-732675
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 1 0 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 It depends on who are other - user-92676
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Different types of research needs different types of funding. Industrial research funding is important for industrial development and innovation. However, as well basic research needs funding mainly from government. - user-208008
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 1 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry funding is dependent on identifying products with a high chance of large profits, seeking med for symptom management over cures. Industry has no interest in demonstrating the efficacy of well-known, but older meds off patent. For instance, does metformin reduce complications of aging such as muscle atrophy and cell death? It might, and there is some evidence, but why would there be research into an old drug if it can't be patented? The more industry funding we have, the more likely we will have increased drug costs, even for meds of questionable improvements, such as most of the newer cancer agents. - user-513377
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Investing in research is essential across diverse sectors—including agriculture, energy, health, manufacturing, and services—because it drives innovation, improves efficiency, and ensures long-term competitiveness and sustainability. - user-606148
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Without federal funding of basic research, progress in the field from U.S. sources can be expected to dramatically slow. Without market demand for research-based products, industry has no incentive to fund any kind of research, basic or applied. - user-360801
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 Government involvement ensures that research addresses public health priorities, including non-profitable areas like rare diseases, preventive care, or health disparities. It also supports basic and early-stage research that may not yield immediate commercial returns but is crucial for long-term innovation. Moreover, public oversight promotes ethical standards, data transparency, and equitable access to the benefits of research.Industry participation, on the other hand, brings critical resources, agility, and expertise in translating scientific discoveries into real world solutions such as drugs, diagnostics, and medical technologies. The private sector is often more effective at scaling innovations and navigating regulatory and market pathways.When both sectors are actively involved, they complement each other: public funding can de-risk early research, while industry investment can accelerate development and commercialization. This synergy fosters innovation that is both cutting-edge and aligned with societal needs.A lack of balance too much reliance on one side can lead to inefficiencies, misaligned priorities, or gaps in the research landscape. - user-431578
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Government and industry have different goals and roles in in their funding strategies, however they support each other in a a long run. Different third sector investors are also important in many sensitive topics, that may otherwise lack funding, e.g. animal welfare. - user-270813
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 All sectors should invest, but government funding shouldn't be profit driven. Time to invest in basic research - user-477986
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Federal Government (5): Very important for funding long-term, basic, and public-good research that the private sector often avoids.Industry (4): Important for applied research, innovation, and product development, but usually focuses on profit-driven goals.Other (3): Moderately important—universities and NGOs contribute significantly to social and scientific progress, often filling gaps left by government and industry. - user-434733
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 NGO and volunteers - user-580426
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 The need of an hour is to develop a robust and self sustainable system of R&D with the help go Government, Industries as well as by the academic Institutes. - user-331846
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 🔹 1. Federal Government – Score: 5 (Very Important)Why it matters:- Supports Basic Research: The federal government is the main funder of basic science (e.g., physics, biology, space exploration) which may not have immediate commercial returns.
- Addresses Public Needs: Research in areas like public health, environmental protection, national defense, and education are often not profitable but crucial for society.
- Reduces Risk for Industry: Government funding often lays the groundwork that industry later builds on (e.g., internet, GPS, mRNA vaccines).
Without it: We risk underinvestment in foundational science and long-term innovation.
🔹 2. Industry – Score: 5 (Very Important)
Why it matters:
- Drives Applied Innovation: Industry excels at turning ideas into products, services, and technologies that reach the market (e.g., pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, AI).
- Ensures Economic Competitiveness: Private R&D strengthens national economies, creates jobs, and boosts productivity.
- Fast, Focused Investment: Industry R&D is typically more agile and market-oriented, speeding up innovation in real-world applications.
Without it: Science stays in labs and doesn’t translate into tangible societal or economic benefits.
🔹 3. Other Sectors (Nonprofits, Academia, International Organizations) – Score: 4 (Important)
Why it matters:
- Fills Niche and Underserved Gaps: These sectors often focus on marginalized or under-researched issues (e.g., neglected diseases, indigenous knowledge, social equity).
- Promotes Global and Ethical Research: International organizations and nonprofits can support research with a global or ethical mission beyond national or commercial interests.
- Trains Future Researchers: Academia is essential for cultivating the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Without it: Many critical areas of research might be ignored, and the education and ethical oversight of research may decline. - Supports Basic Research: The federal government is the main funder of basic science (e.g., physics, biology, space exploration) which may not have immediate commercial returns.
- user-505512
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 1 0 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 A single funder of most research is not sustainable. There must be a broadly diversified funding strategy. - user-894724
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 1 0 0 0 0 Joining hands in funding will not only open a large number of projects but also give a chance to commercialise the research or products obtained from research. - user-464935
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 It is important for the federal government, industry and third parties such as universities and private research firms to pursue research so that decisions can be made collectively based on outcomes with an impartial mindset. - user-624651
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 I believe it is very important for both the federal government and industry to invest heavily in research as government funding ensures long term stability and supports basic research while industry funding drives innovation and practical applications other sectors such as non profits and academia also play a valuable role in addressing niche areas and supporting collaborative efforts that enhance the overall research ecosystem - user-158538
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 I feel that each arm should heavily in research as this drives progress and competition - user-368067
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 It is crucial that different sectors—government, industry, academia, and non-profits—all invest in research. Each brings unique strengths: government supports long-term, high-risk basic science; industry drives application and commercialization; academia fosters innovation and trains future researchers; and non-profits often address societal and equity-focused challenges. A diverse funding ecosystem ensures that research addresses both immediate market needs and broader societal goals. Collaboration across sectors also promotes resilience, inclusivity, and innovation capacity, especially when tackling complex, global issues like climate change, pandemics, and digital transformation. - user-483388
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 1 Other = state governments (through state universities), non-profit foundations - user-13133
Sector 0 1 2 3 4 5 Federal Government 0 0 0 0 0 1 Industry 0 0 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 0 1 0 0 Federal Government – 5 (Very Important)
Federal Government funding is important to support fundamental science, high-risk innovation, and public-interest research not to be funded by industry—e.g., astrophysics, climate change, or infectious disease surveillance. It makes science autonomous, deals with long-term national needs, and preserves equity by funding areas of no near-term profit potential but high social worth.
Industry – 4 (Important)
Investment from the industry is important to produce products, conduct applied research, and transfer technology. It drives the innovation in areas like pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Industry research, however, would be market-oriented, so it might short-change early-stage or not-for-profit research. It is useful, but not sufficient on its own.
Other (e.g., universities, foundations, NGOs) – 3 (Moderately Important)
These players finance underserved or niche spaces, including rare conditions, social justice, and worldwide health. They are flexible and usually supplement federal or commercial priorities. Smaller in scope, their contribution is more vital to delivering diversity and innovation to the research landscape.
In conclusion:
An equilibrium, multi-sector funding system ensures science is both innovative and just, addressing public needs, commercial advancement, and global issues.