Yes, that is exactly the point. "Research" and "Scientific Research" are not inextricably linked - I work in an R&D department, and not all research we do is sc

Yes, that is exactly the point. "Research" and "Scientific Research" are not inextricably linked - I work in an R&D department, and not all research we do is scientific. We do have scientific research, but it's handled very differently from the PoC type of work that occurs more broadly. We are forced to choose between handing out trade secrets in exchange for gaining more soundness in our theories, or keeping them sheltered and hoping our observations hold up. That doesn't mean our research can't inform our decisions towards profitability, only that it's not scientific. Edit: I mean, c'mon - the final step to the scientific method is "communicate your results". I'm surprised this requires explaining.