I did a experiment when it looked like the beta was over and selected start-up Research lab / + 8% Production & + 8% Culture ... then -30% speed / - 13% defense
I had 4 planets to the next guys 2 planets in no time
... speed can be compensated for in the sciences ( 3 levels brings you back to even ) and concentrating on Math will make up for defense plus get your arrival time calculator faster
Getting social up to 10 as quickly as possible will also increase production
and attacking somebody in your sector so that you get XP and SU's as fast as possible