Flatten the academic landsacpe, so local universities are on par with "major academic centers." Remote affiliations: someone lives and teaches in the midwest, has a research affiliation at Harvard. Right now privileged PhD candidates live elsewhere when done with classes & zoom for required contact.

How could that possibly work in experimental labs? (Most of science). Also - many student complain of remote work/zoom and request in-person meetings. Finally - local universities will never be on par with major centers because prestige breeds prestige. Even if possible (it isn't), it won't happen.