I created this mod for stellaris to address to the slower early game and abundent influence you get at late game.

Taken from the mod description on steam:

The aim with this mod is to push you quicker into the late game by allowing you to manage your influence as a way to boost your research. 

This mod provides two different systems, one for the early game and another for late game.

Spaceport upgrades:
    Orbital Research Outpost
        Provides a flat bonus of 7 to each research stat.

Additional Edicts:
    Drug enhanced research
        For a cost of 8 influence, provides a 200% boost to all research.

    Going to war
        For a cost of 5 influence, reduce fleet costs by 30%.

Links: