This quote is better than the whole OP article. However... A flaw in Thomson's idea is that some research is expensive, costing much more than leisure time. A

This quote is better than the whole OP article. However... A flaw in Thomson's idea is that some research is expensive, costing much more than leisure time. Another approach is angel-investing / business-loan style: Give a large grant, wait a long time, and then call in the note -- to return research that justifies the investment, or repayment with interest. Or X-prize style: Give outsize awards for outsize accomplishments, and let the researches take on the risk.