KaiZen Publications: Nexus between ancient writing and the latest AI technologies

Revolutionising books for the AI era

KaiZen’s publications blend the ancient art of writing with cutting-edge AI technology. Named after the Japanese concept of ‘KaiZen‘—meaning continuous improvement—this innovative publishing approach combines AI’s dynamic capabilities with the enduring value of print media. Diplo’s KaiZen publications are a testament to this philosophy, illustrating Diplo’s KaiZen publications are a testament to this philosophy and practical illustration of Diplo’s humAInism approach that anchors artificial intelligence in human wisdom. Readers can access these evolving publications online, while an annual printed edition captures the year’s insights and advancements.

What is Kaizen?

KaiZen is a Japanese term that translates to ‘continuous improvement,’ a philosophy centred on incremental, ongoing progress in processes, products, or services. Originally from Japan, KaiZen became renowned globally through its role in manufacturing and business, especially in lean practices and the Toyota Production System.

Kaizen is built around a few main features:

• Continuous improvement through small and ongoing positive changes evolving into major improvements.
• Focus on quality in observing reality and making incremental changes. 
• Observation and use of data to identify areas for improvement.
• Teamwork to foster shared purpose in collaborative problem-solving. 

In the text that follows, Jovan Kurbalija, director of DiploFoundation, explains the necessity of KaiZen publications in a world where traditional publishing cannot keep up with rapid technological and social changes. The KaiZen approach, he says, is based on a two-speed system: quick, just-in-time updates alongside slower, deliberate print preparation—integrating multimedia to enhance storytelling.

The two-speed approach to publishing

The fast-paced aspect of KaiZen ensures materials are updated in real time. AI tools track the latest developments in the publication’s focus areas, while authors review and approve these updates, providing readers with timely and reliable information.

In contrast, the slower pace takes place annually, allowing authors to produce a fully updated version of their work. This approach offers the space to reflect on cumulative updates and shifts in the field over time, revisit research hypotheses, and reconsider conceptual frameworks and narratives.

This dual-speed approach tackles the flaws of the ‘publish or perish’ culture that dominates academia. The relentless pressure to publish has resulted in a flood of low-quality research, as highlighted by a recent Nature report. Some researchers, under extreme pressure, publish papers at an unsustainable rate, diminishing the quality and replicability of their work. Studies show that less than half of published economic research can be reproduced, undermining the credibility of academic contributions.

At this pivotal moment, AI has the potential either to fuel publishing inflation or to nurture a new era of thoughtful, two-speed research and publishing. By automating routine tasks and offering just-in-time updates, AI can free researchers to dive deeper into analysis and reflection—countering the “publish or perish” race and encouraging meaningful inquiry into society’s pressing challenges.

Embracing multimedia in publishing

The KaiZen approach also embraces multimedia as a powerful tool for delivering content. Today’s younger audiences consume knowledge through various media—videos, animations, games, and sound. According to Pew Research, 46% of Americans under 30 get their news from TikTok videos. This shift from print to multimedia is not a threat but an opportunity to revive storytelling traditions that go beyond the written word, echoing the ancient oral traditions of human culture.

Implementing KaiZen Publications

Adopting KaiZen publications is less about overcoming technical hurdles—the tools are available and affordable—and more about reshaping our approach to academic publishing. The entrenched “publish or perish” mentality in academia, particularly in the social sciences, has favoured quantity over quality. To counter this trend, we must reaffirm the fundamental goal of research and publishing: to deepen our understanding of nature, society, and our role within them.

Diplo’s adoption of KaiZen Publications

Diplo’s adoption of KaiZen publications reflects its broader philosophy of cognitive proximity—bridging logical, ethical, and emotional divides between individuals, and between humans and machines. which aims to bridge logical, ethical, and emotional gaps among individuals and between humans and machines. KaiZen publications are a continuous outcome of this approach, enhancing research, teaching, and brainstorming activities. By integrating AI with human expertise, Diplo is pioneering a new era of impactful academic publishing in our ongoing quest for knowledge.