Just re-started playing GalCiv 3 after a long hiatus (2 years or so). I'm trying to play through the campaigns again, and I've noticed that if I don't research the tech--as in, it's already researched and given to me--I don't get the planetary improvements the tech gives. For example, I don't have the option to build a Factory, or Research Center, or Xeno Farm.
Is this intentional or is it a bug? It makes it harder to up my construction and research, and almost impossible to create food, since all the planets get a food rating of 0 without any farms. Assigning farmers doesn't seem to do anything to help.