by timidus
Remember that research labs gives both 1 knowledge AND a tech tile AND a move up a tech track (and you get to pick something that suits your strategy for the setup). That is an amazing combo. Also, the tech track steps will give points.It's almost always a good opening in round 1 with a research lab, and better than planetary institute, which often needs a bit more economy before being built (and some should never be built). But obviously, it's different from faction to faction.
The tech tiles and tech tracks depends a lot on setup and factions too. I do find though, that the science track is (by far) the least used, and navigation is the most used (but my play group might just be too hesitant to go for the QIC as a navigation alternative).
The tech tiles giving income every round is obviously good early on, but it's all about strategy. How will you be getting point, and which tech tiles and tracks will make you get to those points? Often the tech track step is more important than the actual tech tile.