There is a reason why this research moved out out of universities. It seems that capitalism works "better" than academic research (at least the Oxford vaccine shows that it can be effective). Makes me sad in a way, because it would feel better if all the tax $$ would stay in nonprofit oriented orgs. But it seems that capitalism is converting a bit of narcism and greed mixed with genius better to some useful outcome that the academic system. IMHO we need to create better incentives in non-profit research before we complain about capitalism. At least those guys really create something. Having said that it is pitty that nobody funds clinical trials on the same scale for stuff that you cannot patent anymore (e.g. covid or cancer medication candidates) . Here we really need to fix also the incentives in the commercial space ...
I cant agree, I am in the world you speak of. Grantees will do whatever is in their power, including CREATING results that agree with their benefactor in order to retain monies.