Many individuals think that, rather than private enterprises, governments should oversee and control significant scientific research. From my perspective, I believe that the government should provide permission for private enterprises to carry out research, provided that there is enough and appropriate supervision.
On the one hand, it is true that doing scientific research shouldn’t be the only responsibility of the researcher. The primary reason is the extensive and varied nature of scientific research, which private corporations may conceal from the government. Private entities or individuals’ discoveries are valuable to humanity because they provide opportunities for learning from historical experiences. Thomas Alva Edison, an exemplary individual inventor, made substantial contributions to the world with his innovations, including the incandescent light bulb, motion pictures, and the phonograph, among others. It is important to acknowledge that the government’s research during that period did not prioritise the invention, and we owe the existence of electric light today to Edison’s contributions.
On the other hand, governments must closely monitor private enterprises, even though they have the right to conduct scientific research. Governments must exert authority over corporations, since some entities may engage in scientific research with the intention of maximising profits or creating weapons of mass destruction. For instance, some firms may prioritise the development of biological weapons, posing a potential danger to global peace. The government’s responsibility is to prohibit and obstruct this type of research.
In conclusion, I have a different opinion about the exclusive responsibility of governments to do scientific research. Scientific research is undeniably extensive. Hence, it is essential to provide permission for private enterprises to carry out research. Nevertheless, I agree that it is essential for the government to conduct a thorough examination and surveillance of private enterprises’ research in order to avert any possible misuse.