We sort of have this system, but in reverse. You're suggesting to default to government, and we currently have a default-to-private system. The US government funds basic research, basic development, and clinical trials for projects it deems important enough that will not see adoption by corporations due to a lack of profit.
One example of this is ebola vaccines. If I remember correctly, the incidence of ebola is incredibly (even internationally) low, but there is a public health justification for keeping a working vaccine available. The government, mostly through NIH, will sponsor the development of these kinds of projects.
This also happens sometimes with orphan diseases. The government funds more research further up the chain until it's enticing to private companies.
One example of this is ebola vaccines. If I remember correctly, the incidence of ebola is incredibly (even internationally) low, but there is a public health justification for keeping a working vaccine available. The government, mostly through NIH, will sponsor the development of these kinds of projects.
This also happens sometimes with orphan diseases. The government funds more research further up the chain until it's enticing to private companies.