Are we entering a new renaissance in innovation, one grounded in responsibility and collaboration? Reflections on the 2025 Innovation Tournament

Author: Alex Higgins

Discover how Springer Nature’s 2025 Innovation Tournament celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and people-first ideas shaping the future of research.

Springer Nature’s Innovation Tournament is more than an annual initiative; it is a reflection of our culture. Now in its sixth year, it’s an employee-led initiative that invites staff across the globe to showcase their innovations that improve how we work, support researchers, and serve our communities. It offers a moment to step back and consider: What does innovation look like when it is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the needs of our communities and colleagues?  

At this year’s finals, keynote speaker and guest judge, Jude Pullen¹, helped frame the tournament’s broader significance. His talk invited jury members and finalists to consider: Are we living through a new Renaissance? The keynote at finals is designed to spark reflection and connect our innovation efforts to a wider context. Drawing on historical parallels, he reminded us that true innovation stems not just from technology, but from human insight and curiosity - as well as our proximity to other industries which may seem tangential, but in time, unlock new potential. The Renaissance was an era defined by exploration, learning, and cross-disciplinary thinking. Our Innovation Tournament showcases how creativity and collaboration can lead to meaningful change. It’s a reminder that innovation is not just about new tools, but equally about new ways of seeing and solving.   

The latest annual celebration concluded in December where from 10,000 global employees, 10 finalists and 4 winners were selected across 5 categories which included the ‘Fantastic Failure’ award to recognise innovations that pushed boundaries and delivered valuable learnings but were not rolled out beyond pilot phases.

What began as a small initiative has grown into a global event within Springer Nature for sharing ideas, solving problems, and celebrating creativity. In 2025, we received over 100 entries representing a strong range of ideas: from responsible AI tools that enhance editorial workflows while supporting, not replacing, the expertise of our colleagues and researchers to grassroots initiatives that promote wellbeing, and process improvements that save time and resources. 

Amongst the winners this year were projects that exemplify our people-first approach. One introduced a live chat function via WeChat to support open access authors in China, meeting researchers where they are, on platforms they already use. Another improved accessibility by offering a cleaner, more intuitive reading view. These innovations are practical, people-first solutions developed from a deep understanding of researchers and community needs.   

What continues to stand out is the breadth of ideas; from the bold and transformative to the small but powerful in their impact. That’s why we recently introduced the Little Gem Award, to recognise those clever, often quiet innovations that make a real difference. These are the kinds of ideas that improve workflows, enhance user experience, or help us make better use our content. They might not grab headlines, but they are no less important.  

Innovation, at its core, is about engagement with people, ideas and challenges. It begins with listening to the needs of our communities, users, and colleagues, and responding with solutions that resonate. When we innovate with purpose, we strengthen our role as a trusted source of knowledge and deepen our connection with the communities we serve.   

The Innovation Tournament is more than a showcase, it is a signal that innovation is everyone’s business, and that every contribution counts. It brings Springer Nature’s promise to life: with us, you can develop your curiosity, stretch your horizons, and be yourself. The tournament creates space for experimentation, encourages new thinking, and supports colleagues to grow. And, of course, not every idea can win, and that is okay. Innovation is a process of exploration and learning. 

As the research landscape continues to evolve, so too must the ways in which knowledge is discovered, accessed, used and built upon. Keeping pace with change means thoughtfully exploring new technologies and innovation where they can add value, while staying close to the people we serve and the problems they are trying to solve.  

So, are we in a new Renaissance? The signs are promising and what is clear is that we’re in a moment of opportunity. And if the 2025 Innovation Tournament is any indication, Springer Nature is well-positioned to meet it with creativity, insight, and a shared commitment to advancing discovery and serving our communities.  

--> Check out the highlights from our finals of the Innovation Tournament 2025 here 

Footnotes

1. Jude Pullen is a Creative Technologist and Prototyping Expert. He is a chartered engineer, and a featured inventor on BBC2’s Big Life Fix, is passionate about inclusive design, and helping companies shape their futures through design thinking, and novel use of technologies. His work includes medical, consumer goods, toys, automotive, education. He has worked with NHS, Dyson, Sugru, RS Group, IKEA, NVIDIA, LEGO. For more information visit: https://www.judepullen.com/