I have though it might be a nice idea for empires to gain a small economic boost technology.



Empires gain a 2% Boost to dust generation per technology researched.



"Wherever we look, the work of the chemist has raised the level of our civilization and has increased the productive capacity of the nation."

–Calvin Coolidge

Well, there's already boost to dust that comes from specific techs (more important than 2%). I think the Dust production scale quite correctly with the needs (well, maybe not when reffitting a lot). And the bonus to Dust focused faction would be tremendous.