Match R&D with our greatest needs.

It's important to understand the difference between basic research, which explores novel scientific ideas, and applied or translational research, which takes scientific discoveries and makes them useful. Some people think basic research shouldn't have a practical purpose, but this is a mistake. For example, Louis Pasteur's research in microbiology led to vaccines and pasteurization. The government should support programs that bring together basic and applied research to make breakthroughs in important areas.

A good example of this is the SunShot Initiative from the US Department of Energy. The initiative set a goal in 2011 to reduce the cost of solar energy to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour within 10 years. They supported early-stage research and also encouraged private companies, universities, and national labs to focus on reducing the cost of solar power systems, removing obstacles, and making financing cheaper. Thanks to this approach, the goal was achieved in 2017, three years ahead of schedule.

Gates, Bill. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (pp. 201-202). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.