I think the worry of giving away research is natural, but misguided. Consider these scenarios:
(1) If Earth's population was 1 billion, would it be worthwhile for society to fund research?
(2) If Earth's population was 7 billion, but 6 billion are freeloaders, would it still be worthwhile for the 1 billion to fund research?
The answer to number (1) is an obvious yes. Even with only 1 billion people, humanity gains when it devotes resources to research.
How about the answer to (2)? I think if you answer yes to (1) you have to answer yes to (2). The costs are the same, but the benefits are even greater. Even though freeloading isn't fair, it doesn't mean we shouldn't fund research.
(1) If Earth's population was 1 billion, would it be worthwhile for society to fund research?
(2) If Earth's population was 7 billion, but 6 billion are freeloaders, would it still be worthwhile for the 1 billion to fund research?
The answer to number (1) is an obvious yes. Even with only 1 billion people, humanity gains when it devotes resources to research.
How about the answer to (2)? I think if you answer yes to (1) you have to answer yes to (2). The costs are the same, but the benefits are even greater. Even though freeloading isn't fair, it doesn't mean we shouldn't fund research.