New scientific knowledge mainly comes from university and government laboratories, not private firms, because
A) large corporations do not have funds available to channel toward basic research.
B) government pays scientists higher salaries than do private firms.
C) entrepreneurs find it difficult to secure venture capital to finance innovation.
D) basic scientific principles, as such, cannot be patented and do not always have commercial applicability.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Private firms are mostly interested in research that has commercial applicability and can be patented for profits. On the other hand, universities and government laboratories conduct basic research that contributes to new scientific knowledge but doesn't necessarily have commercial potential. As basic scientific principles cannot be patented, private firms are less inclined to invest in such research, making universities and government laboratories the primary sources of new scientific knowledge.

New Scientific Knowledge Mainly Comes from University and Government Laboratories