Does chance plays a significant role in the development of knowledge?

Question

Does chance plays a significant role in the development of knowledge, despite the widely promoted notions of highly organized methods of science?

Answer 1

Of course it does.
Highly organized methods of science can take you from one point to another along a path. But discovering completely new paths is usually due to chance. Without chance we might still be figuring out better ways to make fire. (well not that bad but you get the point)

Answer 2

Didn't Republicans in congress cut funding for embassy security in favor of tax breaks for the rich?