Population is the ultimate resource in this game. I personally think that the power of the AI Labor improvement should be permitting you to 'build' population points with industry (mechanical citizenry). That would be hurryable, but I don't think Dust should be able to convert into population in any other way.



Meanwhile, Dust can already be dedicated to research. Pay attention next time you adjust your tax rate. You get a bonus (or penalty) to research based on how far below (or above) 50% you are. If you want to put your Dust into science, lower your tax rate. If you want to put it into your treasury instead, raise your tax rate.