I totally agree with the problems of academia chasing citations, but the solution sounds odd to me. There are plenty of applied master programs aimed exactly at what is proposed: engaging with the professional community and fixing simple stuff.
But I still think some people should be isolated from the daily torment of humanity to push us forward. Maybe we just need less PHD.
At least here in Sweden there are also PhD programs where you do your research at a company and split your time 50-50 between that company and the University.
But I still think some people should be isolated from the daily torment of humanity to push us forward. Maybe we just need less PHD.