One of the major reasons to protect an infant industry is to:

Protecting an infant industry primarily aims to allow it to grow without foreign competition. This concept rests on the idea that emerging industries may initially lack the resources, experience, and economies of scale that established foreign competitors possess. By shielding these nascent industries from international competition, a government provides them the time and space necessary to develop their capabilities, innovate, and become viable in the long run.

This protective measure can lead to significant advancements in technology and operational efficiency, fostering a more robust economic environment. As these industries mature and become more competitive, they can eventually enter the global market on equal footing with established players, ideally leading to increased employment and economic diversification within the domestic economy.

While ensuring immediate competitiveness and encouraging market dominance are beneficial outcomes, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of allowing an infant industry to grow in a favorable environment. Generating profit for the government, on the other hand, typically isn't the primary reason for protectionist policies aimed at nurturing new industries.