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.
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.