The debate on the impact commerce has on science have been ongoing for several years so far. Notably, Slaght and Pallant (2012) stress that businesses were not interested in science until a new trend in the society appeared. The new trends occurred due to the change in consumers’ demand.
People have understood that scientific research may contribute to development of advanced products which may meet their needs. Clearly, contemporary consumers tend to pay attention on particular characteristics and possible uses of the product. They want to make sure that the product has been clinically checked.
Companies willingly address their customers’ needs and this leads to quite a dangerous trend. Only particular products (and entire spheres) obtain investment while other spheres are stagnating. Slaght and Pallant (2012, 12) note that companies focus on “short-term economic gains” as they need new products which meet customers’ expectations and are produced sooner than in other companies.
Business competition contributes greatly to this process. It is noteworthy that this is not reflected in the sphere of science only as it is found in the educational system as well.
Thus, students who work on commercially attractive products receive grants and get the opportunity to continue their research. At the same time, students working on projects in such spheres as environment or clinical research often fail to find proper investment and start working on more ‘profitable’ research.
Therefore, researchers often blame businesses for their narrow interest. Scientists also argue that the government is responsible for providing proper investment to really beneficial projects which will have significant long-term benefits (Slaght & Pallant 2012, 12).
Admittedly, it is difficult to accuse business for being focused on short-term gains as this is what they do. However, the government should address serious issues arising in the society and work on solutions. Therefore, it is responsibility of the government to invest into research.
Some researchers note that this is a vicious circle which cannot be overcome. Businesses have funds but want short-term benefits while the government addresses long-term gains but has scarce resources. Researchers are victims of this system and have to collaborate with commercial companies to have a job.
However, there is a solution to the problem. In the first place, it is essential to make the government and local authorities to invest more into science. Besides, it is possible to affect commerce. These days, companies are trying to develop favourable images and claim they are socially and environmentally responsible. It is possible to launch a wide promotional campaign to incorporate research into the image of a responsible business.
Consumers should be aware of benefits of long-term benefits of projects and areas of research. Students, volunteers and officials have to promote these ideas. Clearly, the campaign will be time- and effort-consuming. Nonetheless, it has a great potential as environmental issues also attracted people’s (as well as businesses’) attention after a lasting debate.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that commerce has a negative effect on development of science as lots of projects remain underfunded. The negative effect has been apparent on different levels (science, education). Nevertheless, the business can have a favourable impact on science.
Thus, companies may be forced to invest into projects which will have long-term benefits as this will contribute to development of their favourable image and, as a result, will ensure their profitability.
Reference List
Slaght, J & Pallant, A 2012, Reading & Writing. Web.