Peter Williams

Digital leadership

With unemployment set to grow this autumn it is worth looking at the digital competitiveness report the EU published over the summer. It claims that information and communication technology accounts for half of the rise in EU productivity. Clearly, the information industry is going to be a key player in leading the recovery – creating and sustaining jobs, skills and markets.

At the moment the information industry is suffering like many others. But if knowledge economies are going to survive this recession, then investment in research and innovation in the sector is vital.

Info pros have a distinguished track record of embracing every technological change that makes their job easier and improves organisational performance. The way they have embraced Web 2.0 strategies is only the latest in a string of achievements. Whatever their sector, info pros must continue to play their part in building a digital economy that works for all.

Just not cricket

While the Australian cricket team succumbed in its battle to retain the Ashes here in the UK, reports emerging from the other side of the world during the summer that academic publisher Elsevier in Australia had admitted to improper sponsored journal practices were disappointing. The company says they happened between 2000 and 2005, were an isolated occurrence and do not reflect normal operating procedures. In a statement Michael Hansen, CEO of Elsevier’s health sciences division, gave an assurance that the integrity of Elsevier’s publications and business practices would remain intact.

Elsevier made clear that it wants to continue to partner scientists and clinical investigators to help communicate the findings of high-quality, peer-reviewed medical research. Strict disclosure rules are in place so that readers are aware of any financial interests behind a specific article or journal, or when entire compilation products are created for pharmaceutical marketing purposes.

Hansen concluded by saying: “I understand this issue has troubled our communities of authors, editors, customers and employees. But I can assure all that the integrity of Elsevier’s publications and business practices remains intact.”

No doubt many have been troubled. There is no problem with different types of publishing models; we just all need to be able to understand what we are reading and the commercial, as well as editorial, imperative that is driving the words. But we should all be happy to accept Hansen’s assurances. And Elsevier deserves some credit for facing the critics head on rather than retreating into a bunker. So much in this field operates on trust, and regaining lost trust is an uphill struggle. Just ask any banker.

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