Technology forecasts to 2004 for printing and publishing industry revealed in new report

Technology forecasts to 2004 for printing and publishing industry revealed in new report

Keywords: Pira, Publication, Printing

Pira International's Five Year Technology Forecast of Printing and Publishing has just been published. Now in its third edition this originally researched report provides insight into which technology will succeed as these industries move into the new millennium.

Key findings in this report include:

• digital printers will increase in speed and quality and exist with conventional printing;

• digital print increases market share at the expense of litho and gravure;flexo takes more packaging share;

• main press and finishing equipment developments are in set-up time reduction;

• management information systems will become more important, linking with customers, suppliers and production equipment.

Together with the key findings, this new report also identifies the future key issues for both publishers and printers. For publishers these key issues include:

• development of information processing information;

• on-demand publishing;

• virtual learning centres;

• protection of intellectual property rights.

Key issues for printers include:

• increasing pressure to shorten lead times;

• the challenge of digital print;

• dealing with skills imbalances.

Five Year Technology Forecast of Printing and Publishing was written by John Birkenshaw, Roberto Minio and Sean Smyth.

Five Year Technology Forecast of Printing and Publishing is priced at£1,250/US$2,000 and is available from Pira International's Publications Office. Tel: +44 (0)1372 802080; Fax: +44 (0)1372 802079; E-mail: publications@pira.co.uk