Building a Technical Foundation for Success
Recently, we have seen a number of clients facing problems with their technology landscape; from a clunky peer review system that crashes at a critical moment, to an inability to integrate new research integrity tools into old and inflexible workflows. These are familiar scenarios for many academic publishers, but they highlight an issue that is only going to grow as the pace of technological change increases.
While many publishers talk about modernizing their systems, in reality, this task often drops down the priority list when it comes to budget season. Doing nothing and delaying investment feels like an easy way to save money, but we need to reframe this as an active decision with real consequences. While competitors experiment with AI-powered editorial workflows and automated production pipelines, some publishers relying on aging systems are left coordinating an increasing volume of content through inefficient systems, and with too much of the work happening through emails and Excel documents. Not only is this inefficient, but it also represents a real business risk. Realizing the benefits of new technologies such as AI requires a flexible infrastructure with easy integration and well-managed, clean, centralized data – something many publishers struggle to maintain.
Many publishers we talk to know their technology is outdated, but feel paralyzed by the scale of change. The thought of replacing long-standing systems — with all the risk and disruption that implies — can be overwhelming, which often leads to short-term fixes for specific problems, but no real ongoing development. But modernization doesn’t have to mean ripping everything out at once. A systematic audit and a prioritized roadmap can help break this paralysis and provide a managed way to improve systems and the workflows that depend on them.
By evaluating the technology foundation piece by piece — and understanding how each tool supports or hinders the bigger picture — publishers can prioritize changes that deliver the greatest impact. For instance, in one project we supported, a mid-sized publisher avoided an expensive overhaul by first mapping how their tools worked together. That assessment revealed targeted upgrades in just two areas could remove bottlenecks and unlock growth, without touching the rest of the system.
A comprehensive technology review isn’t just about fixing problems — it’s about futureproofing. Done well, it enables scalability, flexibility, and growth. Publishers gain a clear roadmap that aligns technology choices with business goals, ensuring investments open doors rather than create new obstacles. With the right planning, outdated platforms can be replaced in phases, reducing risk and building confidence. More importantly, a clear technology strategy allows publishers to seize new opportunities — from member-exclusive platforms to AI-enhanced services — instead of simply watching others move ahead.
The publishing landscape is changing fast, and legacy technology can’t keep pace. Treating technology planning as a strategic investment, not just an operational concern, is the best way to stay competitive and future-ready. The opportunity isn’t simply to fix what’s broken — it’s to build a foundation that supports innovation for years to come.
