From a historical point of view, I am not sure scientists in fundamental/basic research were important to make breakthroughs. I think scientists added-value is

From a historical point of view, I am not sure scientists in fundamental/basic research were important to make breakthroughs. I think scientists added-value is in incremental research (as opposed to breakthrough) and making coherent theories. I am thinking of the likes of Faraday/Hertz versus Maxwell or Von Guerick/Boyle/Watt versus Carnot. To make breakthroughs you need a diverse set of personalities not only people trying to make a career in the knowledge field.