Not sure whether this has been posted before, let me know. So here we go:

Right now, i'm doing a master degree research on industrial catalyst. The other day, caught a debate in a R&D forum; the speakers, Dr. Barjoyai and Dr. Kodi (in case anyone knows them) mentioned about the direction of research in our country. Both men stressed on discovering your core technology and the fundamentals of your research.

Their statement led me to think; which side is more important, the fundamental or commercialized research?

I know many would say strike a balance, but at the moment, i'm torn between both. The more i am into the research and literature reviews, the more i feel you need to take a side. If not, you'd never complete any research nor publish anything!

So fellow forumers, what's your take?