Why do we do applied research?

Answer 1

Applied research tries to solves a particular problem. Like how can we make a better widget. Research funds are allocated and the scientists are usually expected to have an answer by the end of the project and is often expected to show a profit. Pure research is science for just finding something new without knowing what that will be. The Hubble space telescope is a good example of that. Pure research leads to new discoveries. Applied research tries to make practical uses for some of those discoveries. Pure research discovered something called Giant magnetoresistance applied research turned that discovery into a hard disc drive that can hold thousands of songs, movies and pictures.