Originally published at norvik.tech Introduction Analyzing the state of modern ML PhDs, their incremental nature, and implications for research and industry. Understanding the Incremental Nature of ML PhDs Machine learning (ML) PhDs have increasingly been characterized by an incremental approach to research. This involves taking existing ideas, connecting them with other established concepts, and applying these combinations in slightly varied contexts. Recent discussions within the academic community suggest that a significant portion of current ML doctoral work follows this predictable pattern, leading to questions about the depth of innovation in this field. For example, a source noted that much of the work comprises careful tuning of existing systems and adding benchmark results to validate these adaptations. This trend can have profound implications on how we perceive progress in technology.…