Working in academic research, I can say clearly that it can be hard to self motivate at times. Especially whereby everything is focused on IP and hence a profit. We have gone beyond the stage of science to widen our knowledge and we are moving closer to industry. On the whole we avoid letting each other get too far ahead by sharing enough to show off and get more funding but not enough that others can replicate it.

In my view, you need to have two projects going on; one that satisfies funders and pays the bills, possibly the latest buzzword. Then alongside that a more theoretical project in an area that you are passionate about. Plod along in the background with the latter to make the former easier.

Satisfying the task masters who are often very stuck in their ways and risk adverse is the hard part. Pushing the boundaries to give out a little more than they would like is essential.