When will the academic sector transition from emulating industry practices to concentrating on realms the industry either cannot, is unwilling to, or deems unprofitable?

In light of the controversial remarks made by Emeritus Professor Terry Young, it becomes apparent that if the industry fails to actively participate in peer review processes, Academia should accord greater significance to this undertaking. Addressing the escalating issue of reviewer shortages is crucial to combatting the publication deluge, and the rise of predatory journals as highlighted in The Economist on May 30, 2020, where it is written that it took 300 years for science to establish 10,000 reputable journals, while predatory journals managed to amass the same quantity in just 20 years.

Furthermore, it is evident that Academia should place a higher value on the production of scientific books in instances where the industry falls short. This emphasis should surpass that placed on the creation of articles, particularly those stemming from (profit-driven) experimental studies. It is noteworthy that the industry not only displays remarkable dynamism in this regard but is also gaining dominance. Considering the recent trend where a mere 200 companies accounted for 40% of global research three years ago, it forewarns that corporations may inevitably assert control over technological research, primarily focusing on endeavors yielding substantial profits.

A few years ago, I had already criticized the tendency of Academia to emulate industry practices, a perspective that underscores a fundamental strategic misalignment and raises concerns about potential perverse incentives. Such emulation not only poses a risk to the prestige of Academia but also challenges its innate and superior mission: “…universities cannot fully realize their mission if they persist in emulating corporate practices. Corporations often adhere to the motto “show me the money,” a principle markedly different from the ethical standards proclaimed by many Western universities…This underscores the critical role that academia must play as a guardian of the moral values crucial for upholding democracies…universities play a distinctive role in inspiring, instilling hope, and nurturing the development of sustainable citizens essential for constructing the envisioned Type One Civilization—a society characterized by multiculturalism, tolerance, and a steadfast commitment to scientific progress.”