What is the importance of scientific investigation?

Answer 1

It applies cientific inquiry and technological development to problems that are relevant in the larger context (social/economical/political) within which the investigation occurs. Eventually this can result in technological and methodological improvements which lead to lowered costs and improved quality. This, in turn, means greater competence and lowered barriers to access related activities.

Technological advancements are expensive and time-consuming, not to mention often protected through international copyright laws. Therefore, once you've gained some form of technological advantage, you can sell/lease this technology to others (countries/enterprises/individuals), to your own discression, thus controlling the extent to which others benefit from said tech without developing it themselves (if they can). Looking at the same issue through a different set of colored glasses, since technological advancement is expensive and time-consuming, sharing known science and technology with those who need it can lead to increased economical and social well-being all around, and this in turn can lead to more dynamic and healthier economic systems; not to mention that the more people working on a certain research topic, the more perspectives on said topic, the more data to access and the more probable that advancements occur more quickly.