I'mAComputerCo. would likely be more willing to undertake an innovative research project to reduce the amount of electricity required to run its computers if there were some form of guarantee that if it succeeded,
it will enjoy a small temporary advantage over the competition.
it would be able to set price to compensate for development costs.
it could sell the new computers as a monopoly for at least a few years.
it would receive a government bailout if losses could drive it out of business.