>... though I fear that system would suffer the same problems. It could be corrupted by a desire to receive ongoing funding ... Emphasis on massive amounts of

>... though I fear that system would suffer the same problems. It could be corrupted by a desire to receive ongoing funding ... Emphasis on massive amounts of money. For example, let's say USG dumps 80 billion into YC Research with the expectation of being able to sustain research for 16 years. I'm pretty sure YCR would struggle to spend 5B/year, and I'm really sure they wouldn't give a single shit about trying to ingratiate themselves at the expense of their work's integrity for the purposes of receiving ongoing funding. There would be no reason to, because their funding interval would span at least two administrations, possibly four. That example of course changes if you assume YCR would be picking up responsibility for critical science previously overseen by government agencies. However, the point is that ample, lump-sum funding of private non-profit organizations can completely destroy any perverse political incentives that would normally plague a government agency. >By relying on private money, the special interests can be diversified automatically, which seems more healthy to my mind. Sure, but what's the point if the research output is some company's IP or even trade secret? Private money doesn't have the obligation of serving the public interest. Government money does, at least in spirit. Philanthropy is of course nice, but you can't rely on it.