Final answer:
Research funding from smaller entities such as private foundations and state agencies serves as an alternative to federal grants, which are competitive and difficult to obtain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seeking out research funding from smaller entities like private foundations and state agencies is a starting place or an alternative for obtaining research grants, especially for small projects. These entities can offer financial support for research and development (R&D) that may not be as extensive as federal funding but are crucial for driving innovation in various fields. Additionally, cooperative research policies show that cooperation between government-funded universities, academies, and the private sector can spur product innovation and create new industries.