We were discussing Uni as useful to make connections (which it really isn't better than networking), so I don't at all want the research function to go away - the NSF/NIH should be subsidized with the money from the government education funding that used to indirectly fund them.
I also would contend, as studies show, that most Uni students come out without an appreciable increase in skills - compared with mentor/protege I think this underperforms society.
I also would contend, as studies show, that most Uni students come out without an appreciable increase in skills - compared with mentor/protege I think this underperforms society.