> Can you get deductions for other types of investments?
Yes, especially capital expenditures
Did not know that. Our company gets deductions for R&D spending, which is sort of like investment.
FWIW, I don't think there is anything special about R&D. Most of that is just straight up expenses, like salaries for the folks doing the R&D. Buying expensive equipment can be depreciated, regardless of the specific purpose.