what is a research agreement in civilization 5?

Question

in Civlization V what is a research agreement?

Answer 1

Two civilizations at peace can form a research pact, which for an initial investment of gold will provide both with a random unknown technology after a set number of turns as long as they remain at peace.[19] However, it is possible for a civilization to sign a research agreement for the sole purpose of getting an enemy to spend money which could be used for other purposes