Idioms

blue-sky research

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blue-sky research

Research that is done without a particular end or application in mind. We don't have time for blue-sky research right now—we need to focus on finishing and releasing this app. Don't get your hopes up that Professor Smith will make some huge discovery this semester—he specializes in blue-sky research. The board won't fund your project indefinitely, you know. They aren't interested in blue-sky research.
See also: research
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

blue-sky research

research that is not directed towards any immediate or definite commercial goal.
1997 New Scientist Bell Labs and IBM are well known for blue-sky research. They have people who are paid just to sit around and think—not about products.
See also: research
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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References in periodicals archive
Most of the quantum physics field remains blue-sky research, but the nanoelectronic materials that are being developed leverage that and are ready for extreme-environment testing and application."
"It is impossible to estimate a percentage return on blue-sky research, and it is delusional even to try."
It is important to note that in this context the level of technology available to firms in a country needs to be distinguished from the country's ability to conduct blue-sky research and develop new technologies for innovation that expand the frontiers of knowledge.
"I hope this recognition of fundamental science will help raise awareness of the value of blue-sky research."
I hope this recognition of fundamental science will help raise awareness of the value of blue-sky research." The Higgs-Englert award recognises the "theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles".
In a statement issued by the University of Edinburgh, where he retired as a professor, the famously shy, 84-year-old Higgs said he hoped the prize would help people recognize ''the value of blue-sky research.''
"I hope this recognition of fundamental science will help raise awareness of the value of blue-sky research," he said in a statement via the University of Edinburgh where he works.
Washington, Oct 24 (ANI): The military's blue-sky research arm, Darpa, is working to launch a major push that'd revolutionize robotic capabilities and put bots pretty much everywhere, from hospitals to dude ranches to "explosive atmospheres."
Author Walter De Brouwer is a Belgian collateral thinker into technologies of the future best known for founding the blue-sky research company Starlab.
Tax director Paul Edwards said: "There is common misconception that R&D tax relief is only for high-flying, blue-sky research companies."
The value of blue-sky research and its application in holography was illustrated by two independent but nonetheless linked papers.
Employees of Starlab, a private, blue-sky research laboratory with campuses in Brussels and Barcelona do just that.
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