In addition, the size, scope, and cost of certain projects mean that only the government can undertake them. They may come about,t because of a market failure, as discussed in Chapter 1, or changes in public expectations of government. Some individuals and organized groups therefore argue that for social or economic progress to occur, government needs to become involved. No other entity, they say, can perform the functions of government, especially space exploration and other scientific research and development, including work in the areas of defense, energy, and health.