It absolutely is (at least in the sciences)...the problem is that the path to tenure does not value this type of work. Naturally people could switch their focus

It absolutely is (at least in the sciences)...the problem is that the path to tenure does not value this type of work. Naturally people could switch their focus once they do have tenure. That assumes that people are not creatures of habit though. The type of people who are likely to succeed on the path to tenure in its current form are those that are focused on production. Asking them (i.e., giving them the freedom) to suddenly change their focus to big, world changing, problems once they are 'free to do so' is unrealistic. Being taught through grad school, post docs, and your time as an assistant professor that this thing is how we measure value becomes your worldview. Just ask Peter Higgs[0] [0]http://www.sciencealert.com/peter-higgs-says-he-wouldn-t-have-predicted-the-higgs-boson-in-today-s-academic-climate http://www.sciencealert.com/peter-higgs-says-he-wouldn-t-hav...