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Why do we need fundamental research?

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  • PETIT, JEAN-CLAUDE

Abstract

Research is considered as a major component of innovation and a key to the development of modern societies. However, fundamental research, which essentially aims at improving our understanding of Nature, is often questioned about its specific role. In this paper, arguments of ‘general interests’ in support of fundamental research are presented to contribute to the science-policy debate. Beyond a notable return on investment, now acknowledged by most economists, a number of positive societal impacts of fundamental research can be underlined. Fundamental research helps society as a whole, as well as individual firms, to keep options, possible scenarios and choices open (e.g. in relation with sustainable development), to maintain a good capability for top-level scientific expertise, to develop conditions favourable to scientific and technological breakthroughs, to ensure training at the highest possible level and also to guarantee access to, and free circulation of, the most valuable information. Finally, fundamental research may contribute to a better structural link between science and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Petit, Jean-Claude, 2004. "Why do we need fundamental research?," European Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 12(2), pages 191-207, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:eurrev:v:12:y:2004:i:02:p:191-207_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Lutz Bornmann, 2013. "What is societal impact of research and how can it be assessed? a literature survey," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 64(2), pages 217-233, February.
    2. Lutz Bornmann & Werner Marx, 2014. "How should the societal impact of research be generated and measured? A proposal for a simple and practicable approach to allow interdisciplinary comparisons," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 98(1), pages 211-219, January.
    3. Lutz Bornmann & Robin Haunschild & Werner Marx, 2016. "Policy documents as sources for measuring societal impact: how often is climate change research mentioned in policy-related documents?," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 109(3), pages 1477-1495, December.

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