Poland’s underfunded basic research system faces skepticism despite evidence showing high returns on scientific investment.
Basic Research vs. Applied Research
The first problem begins with language itself. We talk about “investing in science,” though basic research has little in common with classic financial investment. With applied research, the situation is simpler. There is a problem, a goal, and a relatively predictable path to a solution. Companies approach researchers with specific challenges and expect concrete results.
Basic research operates differently. Its essence is that we don’t know exactly what we’re looking for. As an Einstein quote attributed to him states: “If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called research.” It’s about pushing the boundaries of knowledge without guarantees of where it will lead or if the results can be quickly monetized.
Unexpected Applications and Economic Returns
Moreover, the history of science shows that major breakthroughs are rarely used in the way their creators originally intended. Researchers discover one thing, while business—often years later—finds completely different, more profitable applications.
From the perspective of entire economies, this risk proves to be exceptionally profitable. Economists can measure the effects of increasing funding for basic research using natural “experiments”—for example, sudden, unplanned changes in the budgets of scientific institutions in the United States.
The results are surprisingly clear. The return on investment in basic research, measured by increased productivity and fiscal revenues, is higher than for many other public expenditures: infrastructure, schools, or hospitals. Science generates long-term growth because it employs the best specialists and its effects permeate the entire economy.
Poland’s Research Funding Challenges
The problem is that in Poland, science relies almost exclusively on public funds. These are not only modest but also extremely selective. Only about 10-12% of projects receive funding. For comparison: in Germany it’s about 30%, and in the United States about 25%.
In countries like Sweden, Germany, the UK, or the US, private money plays a huge role in basic research. Companies and employer organizations finance entire research institutes, professorships, and research teams. Researchers maintain independence while operating in stable conditions: they have buildings, equipment, teams, and time to think.
The result? Some of the best research centers in their fields, close collaboration with universities, and real influence on economic development.
In Poland, such examples are rare. Business is happy to fund scholarships for young people, educational competitions, or image-building activities. This is valuable and necessary. The problem is that support for basic research conducted by mature research teams rarely follows.
Changing Mindsets About Research Funding
We often hear the argument that only countries with multi-generational capital can afford such actions. Professor Tyrowicz debunks this myth. American Ivy League universities were created thanks to private donations from people who often became wealthy in a single generation. It’s not about the age of wealth but about the way of thinking about responsibility.
Funding science can be compared to supporting art. We don’t do it because it will bring us quick profits, but because we recognize it as valuable. The fact that others will benefit from it doesn’t diminish the sense of agency and satisfaction of the donor.
The Surprising Affordability of Breakthrough Research
Contrary to appearances—not much. A few million zlotys spread over three to five years is enough to build a strong research team in Poland and make a breakthrough in a chosen field. The current level of science funding in Poland is so low.
For comparison: these amounts are often smaller than the maintenance budget of a sports club, while the potential effect—in terms of prestige, influence, and real change—is incomparably greater.
The condition is one: competition, independence of researchers, and financial stability. When people are allowed to do what they really know, results follow. This is true in business and it works the same way in science.
Research as an Investment in the Future
Returning to the cabaret question: how much do you need to have, “just in case it gets lost”? In the case of basic research, the answer is ironically paradoxical: in terms of pride, agency, and influence on the future—nothing can be lost.
You might not get a patent. You might not see a direct return in Excel. But you can have a real part in creating knowledge that changes the world. And that is an investment that—sooner or later—always pays back.
