Motivated vs True Research

Recently there was an article in the papers on ketogenic diet, which espouses fats, animal proteins and  very low carbs. Several have followed it with immense beneficial results. At the same time there other schools of research who position themselves at the very antipodes of ketogenic diet. High fat diets have very few takers. In fact they are roundly held responsible for all modern heart problems which become endemic in most societies. The general perception is that high carb diets are good for sports. So we see that there are a lot of contradictions between the various types of diets for sports, well being, healthcare and various age groups. Hence research turns out to be myriad edged sword.

Hence we see that broadly there are two types of research: concept of true fundamental unbiased research vs biased industry funded agenda based research.

In my first job, which was in one of India’s largest banks, I was posted in the Research Department. Soon I was discontented with the age old research reports sent to the Board of the Bank. The reports served no commercial purpose. No great policy or strategy emerged from them. Hence I started a quest for True Research which pioneered and focused upon the strategic initiatives of the bank, its profitability across all segments, classes of branches and SBUs, costing of services, customer satisfaction.

Research has increased by leaps and bound over past thirty years or so. More often than not, research has been a hand maiden for the socio-political bent and structure of the industrial organization. Hence we often come across research outputs which are contradictory in substance, mostly to support the industry which has sponsored the research. Hence we come across diametrically opposite findings which for example will talk about the virtues of tomatoes, and then few months later the reverse findings will be published. This happens all the time with views of benefits of certain vegetables or meats, followed in no time by the research on the negative impact of the same vegetables or meats. Research is the new PR tool of industries. 

There a huge racket prevalent in terms medical trials all over the world. Here the pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, doctors, regulatory authorities and health insurance companies all join hands in promoting clinical trials of drug on the unsuspecting public, often banning more effective drugs, in order gain monopoly for clinical trial medicines. The health care mafia is a strong one which in order to provide its drugs will go to any length to push its medicines.

Research in the financial system has also created weapons of mass destruction which led to the 2008 financial meltdown. Sophisticated instruments like packaged bonds sold to other banks. The traders and rocket scientists also added to the woes with trading in the black pools of the net apart from other rogue products.

The other ugly side of research is that it needs funding. So there a tenuous relationship between investors and those in charge of research. So the later bend backwards to support the view of their financiers.  Even the research of climate change which has snowballed out of all proportions has those who believe in climate change and the rival camps who are climate skeptics.

We have reached a stage where there is a cacophony and we are not able to believe in any particular research and sift the noise from the signal. There is too much at stake. Hence research is muzzled and has to listen to its master’s voice and the agenda and objectives of the organization. No objective can truly be based upon clear socio-political foundations. There will always be some element of bias.

US has led the world in research through its great educational institutions. Most of fundamental research has been funded by industry but generally with no strings attached. Hence as per Robert Solow of MIT, 90% of the growth of USA during the 100 years ending 1970 can be attributed to R&D.

Hence need for more fundamental research. Companies are setting aside about 1% of profits for research. There is a long and winding road to a world which pays feed to true research. Till then we have to sift the grains from the chaff. True fundamental universal research is our goal.  Some people like Bill Gates, etc are truly funding research will help the poorest of the poor with toilets, drinking water, viable shelter, food, etc. We need more boundary less research helping the have-nots.