Repeat collectibles should be giving you tech points, just like in VV2. The more science tech you have, the more tech points you should be getting. The magic faction also gives more tech points.
I don't see any evidence of that - and I just can't keep my scientists to stay on the table. One keeps leaving to harvest honey and the other off to worry. I only have to leave the screen for half a second to check this board and they're off doing their own thing again.