What is the difference between 'emphasize research' and 'emphasize commerce'?

[Strategist83]

I suppose one will have the city creating scientists and the other merchants, but is that the only difference?

[Blake]

The main difference is that with commerce, commerce = science = gold.
With research, science is considered more important.

In short, emphasize science will encourage the creation of the scientist specialist.

There is no equivilant emphasize gold.

[gdgrimm]

I never let the governor choose buildings, but it might have an impact on that, too.

Commerce focus means Markets and Grocers.
Research means Libraries and University.