I am personally is, largely, Theoretician. So, I used to find Theoretical Problems within Projects I had. My superiors could not care less, as no additional money were requested for a Theory.
But in the year 2,000 I came with the idea of Plazma within the Liquid Chemical Reactor, for destruction of liquid poison without combustion. That was an Experimental Project, requested $250,000 to start. HAVS rejected idea to spent money for unproven technology. But I fought hard, brought private investors, which funded 50 % of the budjet. So, the Alberta Research Council Management gave up. coming with remaining 50 %, or $125,000. Reactor worked with fliying colors, US Patent was granted and is attached. Sure, lawyers killed the text, which is hard to follow.