I'm not sure I agree. Let's take "cure for cancer" as a theoretical thing that can be accomplished with $nB in research spending. What is the incentive for com

I'm not sure I agree. Let's take "cure for cancer" as a theoretical thing that can be accomplished with $nB in research spending. What is the incentive for companies to spend their resources trying to find a solution for this if society can effectively nationalize the results as soon as they are obtained? If a company cannot recoup their investment (and their risk) then they're not going to spend the resources in the first place. It's far better for public institutions to have well funded research programs for "IP" that serves the public good. If companies get there first, by all means "lend" them the patent (as long as the "loan" expires after a reasonable period of time.) This is largely the system that we have today, and while not perfect in many respects it does ensure that both public and private entities are chasing big goals.