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Plotting the Digital Publishing Course
The digital publishing landscape is rich with acronyms and specialized terminology, highlighting its evolution and ongoing transformation. This progression can be traced back to pivotal formats like PDF and XML, which were essential in the migration from traditional print books to electronic formats, known as e-books. Subsequently, the introduction of EPub and HTML5 expanded the possibilities for incorporating audio, video, and interactive components into published content. Currently, discussions are largely focused on two-letter acronyms—AI, UI, and UX—aimed at simplifying the content transformation process, enhancing user experience, and creating visually appealing platforms.
A decade ago, the prevailing concern for publishers revolved around big data and analytics. Today, the emphasis has shifted toward metadata and the importance of content accessibility and discoverability. The traditional focus on profit margins has evolved into a broader objective: ensuring the long-term sustainability of business models and platforms. The concept of sustainability now encompasses not only the responsibility of preserving natural resources but also the strategic longevity of publishing enterprises.
However, navigating these changes is fraught with challenges. The digital landscape continues to be met with skepticism, particularly regarding AI technologies, while also confronting new hurdles such as regulations on accessibility and environmental standards. To gain insight into the current digital publishing landscape, PW engaged with four notable digital solutions providers: KnowledgeWorks Global (KGL), Klopotek, KNK Software, and Virtusales Publishing Solutions.
AI and Research Integrity
The initial reservations publishers held regarding AI have diminished, particularly following KGL’s implementation of natural language processing (NLP) in its Smart Edit module, designed to expedite publication timelines through automation. Mike Groth, marketing director at KGL, notes that the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT has compelled the industry to embrace AI, prompting cautious optimism as publishers recognize the potential benefits and risks associated with it.
Publishers are increasingly expecting that automation will streamline processes, including tasks like generating alt-text descriptions for images. Groth emphasizes the necessity of human oversight, stating that while it is crucial to adapt to AI-enhanced services, verification by skilled professionals remains essential to maintain service quality. KGL has actively shared updates from its Smart Lab to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to experimentation and refinement of AI applications.
In alignment with this shift, Klopotek’s CEO Peter Karwowski asserts that integrating a robust user interface (UI) alongside AI is central to their operations. Their recent collaborations with an AI-focused firm in book discovery affirm Klopotek’s dedication to innovating within the digital space.
Despite the benefits that AI can provide, there are significant concerns surrounding research integrity, particularly regarding the proliferation of fraudulent manuscripts produced by “paper mills.” Groth highlights that these operations pose a major threat to the credibility of academic publishing, with evidence of corrupt practices that compromise the integrity of research outcomes. This year alone, a study in Nature indicated that 10,000 research articles identified as fraudulent were retracted, pushing publishers to partner with organizations capable of identifying and eliminating such predatory practices.
Discoverability, Accessibility, and Sustainability
Even with content being digitized and enriched, its success is moot if it remains overlooked in a saturated market filled with competing digital offerings. Thus, the challenge of content discoverability remains a focus, as it directly impacts financial viability. Karwowski outlines that efficient metadata optimization is essential for ensuring books gain visibility in search engines and online marketplaces, emphasizing its role in helping publishers reach their intended audiences.
Smaller publishers such as ICS Publications have also benefited from improved metadata processes. Their managing editor, Fr. Pier Giorgio Pacelli, notes that Klopotek has played a crucial role in organizing their extensive archives into distributable digital formats.
Accessibility continues to be a paramount concern for many digital publishing entities, with a push toward “born accessible” content that meets compliance standards from the outset. Yet, implementing such strategies has proven challenging, especially as publishers prepare for the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) set to take effect in June 2025. Groth, whose organization has achieved certification as a Benetech Global Certified Accessible vendor, explains that various ambiguities within the EAA requirements leave many publishers questioning compliance routes.
Faced with impending deadlines, companies like Virtusales Publishing Solutions are committed to guiding their clients through industry standards and regulations. Their BiblioSuite platform offers features integral to communicating essential metadata and adhering to EAA principles while committing to environmental sustainability, with plans for their data centers to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2025.
Calls for a postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are gaining traction as deadlines approach. Recently, the European Commission proposed a delay for large enterprises until the end of 2025 and until mid-2026 for smaller businesses.
Transforming and Future-Proofing the Industry
The digital solutions sector demonstrates resilience, consistently overcoming obstacles to drive efficiency and operational transformation within publishing. Philip Turner, CEO of Virtusales, reflects on the landscape’s transformation over the past 25 years, highlighting innovations that have shaped publishing—ranging from the rise of e-books and audiobooks to the emergence of print-on-demand services.
Academic publishing, in particular, faces distinct hurdles such as adapting to Open Access models, leveraging technology to enhance the availability and granularity of content while navigating the growth challenges posed by digital platforms.
The incorporation of AI is expected to trigger further evolution in the industry, enabling improved content personalization and access, as well as integrating various media formats to create dynamic, interactive experiences. This demands continuous innovation from publishers, alongside the strategic use of technology to stay competitive. Virtusales is committed to delivering transformative solutions to empower clients amidst this ongoing evolution.
KNK Software’s KNKMedia platform represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing these needs. CEO Sebastian Mayeres points out that their integrated solution support every aspect of publishing—from editorial planning to rights management—creating a comprehensive, user-friendly experience for publishers.
Moreover, KNKMedia’s centralized approach helps eliminate data silos, providing a unified source of truth for business intelligence and AI analysis, thereby equipping publishers to adapt and thrive.
This feature is published with the support of the companies covered in these articles. Click through to read their stories.
Continuous Expansion and Reimagining of Content Solutions at KGL
Klopotek Unveils New Publishing Software and Partnerships
Changing the Game for Publishers Big and Small at KNK Software
Empowering Publishers Through Innovation and Investment at Virtusales
A version of this article appeared in the 10/14/2024 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Plotting the Digital Publishing Course.
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