Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

There is no doubt that scientific research can provide a lot of wealth to a country. However, it is a matter of debate whether these researches should be carried out by governments or private companies. From my point of view, both the governments and private companies should be actively involved in scientific researches.

There is a strong argument why scientific researches should not be done only by the government. Government has so much else on its shoulders. It has to provide infrastructure such as transportation, hospitals and education institutes to the citizens. Then it has to support the defence services and even maintain law and order in the country.

There are some areas, however, where only the government should carry out and control scientific research. Firstly, researches into nuclear technology and national defence are very crucial. They cannot be left into the hands of private companies. Secondly, some researches are only for the advancement of knowledge. In such research the private companies have no incentive. So the government should take the leading role.

There are many areas in which private companies should participate in scientific researches. To begin with, researches are done more efficiently by private companies because they are profit driven. Every dollar is spent wisely to ensure maximum benefits and every resource is used effectively to avoid waste. Also, researches by private companies are closely associated with market needs. Private companies are market oriented so they always come up with inventions that have practical values that can increase productivity and improve life. For example, researches in cosmetics and cough medicines.

Both, governments and private companies should be active in scientific research. Some researches should be done only by the government, some by private companies and in some the resources can be shared.