The Super-Nugget. By Leonid Levin.
I think it is crucial to emphasize prominently that this nugget accumulation is not at all what is the main purpose of Computer Theory. The purpose is to achieve and deepen the fundamental understanding of the nature and power of computation. When our conceptual environment is advanced to the level needed for such understanding, this nugget-hunting would be just an entertaining sport amid the industry of gold mines.
As it stands, our level of understanding is in its infancy. Despite many deep insights we acquired in past decades, even the most basic questions are still a complete mystery to us. As computing is coming to dominate the civilization, we stand completely unprepared. The politicians should understand that THIS is the major challenge, not media-ready sound bites.
They should also realize that most of our theory achievements have been done by individuals, not by groups guided by panels, committees, etc. Such guidance and planning has always been disastrous for theory. Politicians should understand our need for individual freedom.
They should also understand that it is theory, not application, that is most in need for public support. Applied research does well with the industrial support, both as private R&D and in more community oriented industrial research labs. The Government can help there, but is not critical. Theoretical research, while crucial in the long run, is difficult to finance privately. Its benefits come at the end of a long road when they are widely disseminated and the sponsors get little advantage over competitors, at least within national borders.
Our present policies are just the opposite on all above points. This has had serious negative effects in the last decade.