> Thus, I propose the only solution that has any precedence: Big R&D as a government mandate. Much like education, healthcare, and social benefits, Big R&D must

> Thus, I propose the only solution that has any precedence: Big R&D as a government mandate. Much like education, healthcare, and social benefits, Big R&D must become a central pillar of a modern society. Health care and social benefits get politicians a lot of votes. Heavy government-sponsored research wouldn't, I imagine. To get this kind of support for research, you'd have to sell it to the voters (it was easier to sell during the Cold War, I think it's harder now, especially during a recession).