(1) Basic research in math and the sciences may be generations ahead of the development of the applications of its results. (Example: The math necessary to go to the moon being done ages before being applied.) Basic research precedes and generates applied research.
(2) Political forces in this country are now demanding more applied research, and less research that will be long-term in pay-off (and some basic research may never pay off).
(3) Is there a pendulum here, equalizing the allocation of resources to basic vs. applied research over time? (That is, we have enough basic research to last us for a while, let's apply it now.) If so, is this in the best interest of the planet?
(4) Is my analogy for the sciences applicable to educational technology research?
(5) Even acknowledging the need for basic research, are some areas simply not worth investigating (coffee shop conversation, etc.)?