ANSWER:
The fear is not unfounded; eg consider the failure of "Maoist Mathematics:"
"Before the cultural revolution some of us believed in the beauty of mathematics but failed to solve practical problems; now we deal with water and gas pipes, cables, and rolling mills. We do it for the country and the workers appreciate it."
(Dialog from 1976 US mathematics delegation to the People's Republic of China)
How can we have both scientific
independance AND the collaboration of stakeholders?
a. Seek collaboration rather
than control
b. Seek consensus rather
than censure
c. Seek diversity rather
than unity
d. Seek falsification, not
verification