Question

The government spends tens of billions of taxpayer dollars each year to fund technological research. Much of this research is in new areas in which the outcome is uncertain. Often, even if the research is successful, it may not be commercially feasible to use the emerging technologies on a large scale in the foreseeable future.

Do you think that the government should invest heavily in technological research projects whose success and usefulness are uncertain? Support your point of view with arguments and examples.