I had been thinking along similar lines in physics research as a post-doc, and wrote my experience and ideas up[0].
Then I got fired (unrelated to me writing that post:), and went in a job interview with another prof, who have read my post, and started off the discussion with that. In the end, he have seen the value, the ideals, and that the problems outlined were valid (he also worked in the Bell Labs which is one of my inspiration).
In the end I decided that instead of joining another lab, or as the OP working in the industry, I'll wing it and see if I can set up things the way I want. So now my "main job" is to do research and set up the lab I would want to work in, and get the people who are just as ambitious on board. "Tall order" doesn't even begin to describe it, let's see what happens.
Working on the foundations, as I still need a few months of Taiwanese visa to be able to start my own company here legally.
In the meantime:
- Figuring out useful products used in a physics lab that I can use for my research and sell it as well, plus other value added things (like software development, consulting) that can support the things.
- Reviving and expanding my academic network (have researcher friends in England, India, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, France) and see what would fit them well too
- Expanding Taiwanese networks for actual researchers, developers, electronics, manufacturing, via the Geek Dinner I organized and our newly founded Taipei Hackerspace, as well as friends working in the industry
- Expanding my knowledge via the likes of $100 Startup, Lean Startup, The Art of Innovation, Losing My Virginity, ....
- Moonlighting with a local creative firm to learn more about real business and money side, and get more professional services contacts
- Setting up a website and prototypes in the next month or so (sooner rather than later).
If you ever wanna chat, I'm on gmail.com with the same username :)
That sounds tough but feasible. I think the consultancy bootstrap is a good idea. I'll get in touch via email, I'm quite interested in knowing how it goes :)
Then I got fired (unrelated to me writing that post:), and went in a job interview with another prof, who have read my post, and started off the discussion with that. In the end, he have seen the value, the ideals, and that the problems outlined were valid (he also worked in the Bell Labs which is one of my inspiration).
In the end I decided that instead of joining another lab, or as the OP working in the industry, I'll wing it and see if I can set up things the way I want. So now my "main job" is to do research and set up the lab I would want to work in, and get the people who are just as ambitious on board. "Tall order" doesn't even begin to describe it, let's see what happens.
[0] http://gergely.imreh.net/blog/2013/02/academia-is-failing-bu... "The Academia is Failing But Not For Everyone"