Ouch...
During the next term, we should be entering an era of infastructure building. This includes libraries that will aid us on self research. Look right now; we're waiting to see what the AI has researched for our tech acquisition. If we have high research, then we'll be able to grab whatever tech we want. This is the stance that I'll shoot for during Term III. However, should we enter another major war, then I can understand lowering the slider temporarly. Of course, possible trades, tech and resource, will still be watched for.
Maintain the status quo. Vote RegentMan for your Term III Consul of Research and Technology Policy!