In MoteMancer, research is divided into two different types. Elemental Research is what what you're introduced to by the game through the tutorial. The other type of research is called Entropic Research , and you gain access to this after the first time you clear away some Entropy .
You gain access to Elemental Research by following the game's tutorial. Elemental Research is how you progress through the game's tech tree, gaining new tools and upgrades along the way. These tools range from new Production buildings, various forms of Logistics , new components to utilize in the form of Reagents , and utilizing it all in the form of Artifice .
Entropic Research isn't available at the start of the game just yet. You only gain access to it through clearing away some Entropy . After that, you have to continuously collect Entropy to accumulate enough Entropic Research before you can unlock an upgrade.