Having worked with scientists and mathematicians with PhDs, I can relate to the notion that they could have difficulties when it comes to identifying what is important and what to focus on. Their lack of eagerness to find real-world applications for their substantial skills is perhaps what had allowed them to stay at university and keep studying for so many years in the first place.

It's no coincidence that, on the other end of the spectrum, a lot of successful entrepreneurs could barely stay in college long enough to get their bachelor's degree.

I'm not sure if "eagerness to efficiently apply one's skills" is something that can be taught but it could certainly be incentivized.