Introduction to Basic Research
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC RESEARCH –
‘Basic research’ is a term that is widely used but with little apparent consensus on what it actually means. The term basic research usually refers to study and research on pure science that is meant to increase our scientific knowledge base. This type of research is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behaviour but does not seek to solve or treat these problems.
Most scientists believe that a basic, fundamental understanding of all branches of science is needed in order for progress to take place. In other words, basic research lays down the foundation for the applied science that follows (ELSI Research)
Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. In comparison, Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective (OECD, 2003).
It is because of the lack of a particular definition or structure that it is widely regarded to be only academic and some researchers are critical of basic research at times. “Dealing with deficiencies in business R&D by making basic research more ‘relevant’ is like pushing a piece of string” (Pavitt 1991:117).
Importance –
Several scientists in the UK commented that the political climate for basic research is better than it was in the 1970s and 1980s. One reason given for the increased importance of basic research is the emergence of certain new technologies (such as biotechnology) which require very basic research but then quickly produce marketable products - now a ‘fundamental’ breakthrough can simultaneously be a commercial breakthrough (Elzinga 1985).
Benefits -
The benefits of basic research are examined by Ben R. Martin and Puay Tang in
‘Basic research’ is a term that is widely used but with little apparent consensus on what it actually means. The term basic research usually refers to study and research on pure science that is meant to increase our scientific knowledge base. This type of research is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behaviour but does not seek to solve or treat these problems.
Most scientists believe that a basic, fundamental understanding of all branches of science is needed in order for progress to take place. In other words, basic research lays down the foundation for the applied science that follows (ELSI Research)
Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. In comparison, Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective (OECD, 2003).
It is because of the lack of a particular definition or structure that it is widely regarded to be only academic and some researchers are critical of basic research at times. “Dealing with deficiencies in business R&D by making basic research more ‘relevant’ is like pushing a piece of string” (Pavitt 1991:117).
Importance –
Several scientists in the UK commented that the political climate for basic research is better than it was in the 1970s and 1980s. One reason given for the increased importance of basic research is the emergence of certain new technologies (such as biotechnology) which require very basic research but then quickly produce marketable products - now a ‘fundamental’ breakthrough can simultaneously be a commercial breakthrough (Elzinga 1985).
Benefits -
The benefits of basic research are examined by Ben R. Martin and Puay Tang in
References: 4. (Elzinga A (1985), ‘Research, Bureaucracy and the Drift of Epistemic Criteria’, in The University Research System : The Public Policies of the Home of Scientists Wittrock B and Elzinga A. (Eds.) Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell International) 5 6. Rosenberg, N. (1992), ‘Scientific instrumentation and university research’, Research Policy, 21, pp.381-390. 7. OTA (1995), Innovation and commercialization of emerging technology, Office of technology assessment, US Government printing office, Washington, DC. 8. Cooke, P. and K. Morgan (1993), ‘The network paradigm : new departures in corporate and regional development’, Environment and planning D : Society and Space, 11, pp.543-64. 9. Tijssen, R.J.W. (2002), ‘Science dependence of technologies : evidence from inventions and their inventors’, Research policy, 31, pp.509-526. 10. Toole, A. (1999), ‘The impact of federally funded basic research on industrial innovation : Evidence from the pharmaceutical industry’, Stanford institute for economic policy research, Stanford, CA, SIEPR Discussion Paper No. 98-8. 11. Storey, D. and B. Tether (1998), ‘New technology based firms in the European Union : an introduction’, Research Policy, 26, pp.933-946.