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“In this special issue of Editors’ Update, what is remarkable about the achievements highlighted is their broad scope,” says YS Chi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Academic and Customer Relations at Elsevier. “Some of the products and services focus on publishing efficiency and speed, others on access and dissemination, still others on education and training. And yet, despite this diversity of scope, all of Elsevier’s accomplishments have a single element in common: they all require the dedication, hard work and innovation of many different teams within Elsevier.”
Lateral thinking, forward motion
Chi credits Elsevier’s teamwork and lateral management style for the success of all of these initiatives. Instead of a ‘top-down’ approach of implementing ideas brought by senior management, Elsevier teams with direct access to customer needs drive the initiatives that make a difference. As a result, the best and most innovative ideas come from that level. Editors, authors and reviewers are often the catalysts for new developments. As ideas grow and develop, however, everyone has a role to play, from the teams who execute the work with passion, to the managers who provide resources, to the leadership that maintains the right environment for growth, to the customers who provide feedback.
“Innovation is not a strategy, but rather a culture,” Chi continues. “The job of leadership is to create an environment where innovation is encouraged, ideas are supported and resources are made available. To me, Elsevier is an ideal working environment, because teams know that their next great idea has a very real chance of being developed.”
“And, for every one of the 25 achievements listed here, there are as many or more that have not been mentioned. But every improvement, every step of progress, is part of the bigger picture,” Chi says.
Teamwork is key
No project happens within a single department or business silo. A great initiative requires input and commitment from a number of teams in order to be realized. “For every project and person featured in Editors’ Update, we know that there are many other people working behind the scenes, without whose input these accomplishments would never have been possible. That includes administrators and project managers, technical specialists and communicators, sales and marketing staff, and a host of others.
“Rarely are there profound, earth-shattering changes to the way scientific publishing works. This is not a business full of overnight heroes or radical change. No, the real heroes are the teams that have the passion and drive to work day-to-day, in an environment of long-term development and big-picture thinking.” And it is that long-term, strategic thinking that will ensure Elsevier continues its positive momentum well into the future.
The energy of progress
“In my role, I spend a lot of time traveling, talking both with internal Elsevier teams and the customers we serve,” Chi says. “There is definitely a positive energy in the air, and a feeling of opportunities around every corner. I am optimistic about the fact that for as many accomplishments as we can celebrate today, there will be even more tomorrow.”
Chi continues: “On behalf of Elsevier, I would like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in these programs. No matter how great the ideas are, they do not become a reality without the hard work, endurance and innovative thinking of each one of you.”
From improved technology to strategic resource allocation, from dedicated teams to strong leadership, the future of Elsevier looks very bright indeed. We invite you to read about some of the most interesting developments achieved on behalf of editors thus far, and welcome your input about the developments of tomorrow.
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