I read an earlier draft of this paper by Francisco Gil-White a few years ago and found it to be a very insightful critique of modern academic institutions. I haven't read the new version, but I imagine it's only gotten better. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4504597
@psmaldino having only read the abstract/intro, this seems largely correct. But, it's a tough problem. There is a coordination / network benefit to agreeing on a scientific paradigm, and that can create a “natural monopoly” just like in the real economy (e.g. Ma Bell). Effectively regulating those types of monopolies is usually much more difficult, compared to ones that arise out of a simple abuse of market power.
@bradleveck I agree. I don't have a ready solution for this problem, but I suspect some sort of focused paradigmatic shake-up could be a good thing if done right.
