New science organizations aim to combine positive aspects of “applied” and “basic” research, which have traditionally been seen as distinct. However, this distinction can be arbitrary, as some projects straddle both categories. Applied research focuses on immediate applications, while basic research is curiosity-driven. The idea of identifying research questions that satisfy both approaches is intriguing. Historical examples, like Bell Labs, showcase how large research organizations can successfully manage research operations to achieve profitable outcomes. By examining organizations like Bell Labs, contemporary applied research orgs can learn valuable lessons about problem selection. Unique systems employed by Bell Labs, such as “systems engineers,” nudged researchers towards relevant problems and ensured effective problem solving.
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