Trying to figure out starting/social project bonuses.

from Stardock Forums
ok, I choose technologists party which gives +20 research, right? Does this mean that I research things %20 faster, or that I get 20% more test tubes. If its just test tubes, then couldn't I just achieve the same effect by spending more?

Same thing with manufacturing centers...Supposedly you get 1/3rd as free bonus -- but this seems piddly compared to the cost of the center!

Its pretty hard to figure out what goes where, and I've read the FAQs.
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
One more thing -- I don't understand why the improvements give you increases in your standard (i.e. non-bonus) categories. Take the manufacturing center for instance. Why have it boost your production 25%? You could do that yourself. What you really want, I presume is the 1/3 of that as bonus credits...something doesn't seem right.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
My understanding of the econimic system is as follows:

- Each planet has a production capacity that is determined by population (might be influenced by morale too).

- Your empire wide general spending level determines what percentage of production capacity will actually be utilized.

- Each unit of production capacity utilized will normally require one unit of cash.

- Social projects, starbase modules, and technologies that improve production operate by increasing your production capacity.

- Free production you receive from improvements is granted in a proportional manner. By this I mean if you receive a +50% bonus from starbase modules, and half is free, you will simply gain 1 free production for every 5 you actually pay for (1.25:0.25). For this example, you will be able to pay 1.25x more than you used to be able to with just your base population as well.

I cannot gaurantee the accuracy of my assumptions as I have not tested them in detail, but they don't seem to contradict with my casual observations in game. In short, building such improvements like Manufacturing Centers not only increase your capacity to produce, but also gives you some free production on the side. Don't overlook the significance of a higher production capacity either. You can only increase your general spending level to 100% afterall, so you must utilize production boosters if you want to construct any high cost items within a reasonable time frame.
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Does one spend a lot of the time at 100% of spending? Haven't played enough to know whether or not that applies to my style, but if it did I can see its usefulness...

at any rate, thanks for the response.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
I forgot to mention one thing in my previous post. The production capacity is also influenced by your empire wide income distribution. As far as your general spend rate goes however, it will probably stay at 100% throughout the game if you take advantage of trade routes and sell technology for tribute. In any case, all the various forms of production boosters are generally a useful addition to your empire.