I heard an old timer describe it well ... true research needs to be altruistic. Today, I think this can only be done through govt sponsorship. In places like Canada, my impression is that even the stewards who dole out govt funding have forgotten what true research means. They dole out money for commercializing innovation, which is not research by definition. From what I've heard from other scientists, the US is doing a better job. They are focusing their research dollars on 'promising' areas. This isn't as bluesky but at least it is research.
That would be the point of government investment in research though - to drive commercial advantage in their country. Everyone in governmenthas an agenda; there's no free money. That leaves insanely wealthy companies or individuals with an altruistic bent to drive free research.
