PRIMIR Announces Research Studies Line-up
RESTON, VA—August 15, 2008—The Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR) announces the recent launch of a number of research studies for the coming 12 months.
Trends in Books – PrintCom Consulting Group (Waxhaw, NC) was commissioned to complete research that will document technological and societal changes impacting the book publishing industry in North America. The research will cover all major segments of the book publishing industry, including trade books (adult, juvenile, mass market paperback, book clubs, mail order and religious); educational (elem-high textbooks, college textbooks and university press); and reference (professional books and subscription reference). It will also investigate personal titles, as well as non-traditional books such as e-books, audio books, and books in Braille.
The study will also investigate the effect of future technologies on book demand, education publishing models, retail distribution and re-supply models, and publishing/printing processes. Trends in Books will be published in the December/January timeframe, summarize trends and statistics through 2007, and forecast trends and projections through 2012.
Sourcing Behavior of North American Print Originators – PRIMIR contracted with Sherburne & Associates with support from Print Buyers International to conduct a study of North American print originators and their decision process for selecting a printer. The study will identify how print sourcing decisions are made today (2008), how they differ from five years ago, and project how they will be made five years hence, by examining: who (job title or function) purchases print and what they purchase, purchase lead times by application and sourcing (local, regional, global, etc.), how they decide where to source, why they choose print versus alternative media, and how the print is purchased (direct, agency, broker, etc.).
When completed, this study will help firms in the print value chain determine (among other things) where assets are needed whether it be distribution centers for equipment or supplies, printing sites, or sales executives. The study is slated for completion in the spring of 2009.
Sustainable Print in a Dynamic Global Market: What Going Green Means – Given the global dynamics at play, PRIMIR contracted with Pira International (UK) to complete this study. The research will define sustainability and identify the regulatory, economic, social and environmental drivers impacting the developed nations print supply chain players. It will describe the key drivers for adopting green practices, and provide an assessment of how the printing and publishing industry ranks when compared with other industries as far as impacting the environment.
The PRIMIR research will also identify the scope and definition for ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘environmental footprint’ measurements compared with non-print communications. In addition, the research will outline various certifications and will also identify and quantify best practice strategies to implement successful sustainable/green practices for printers and other participants in the print supply chain, and will provide case studies of printers that have adopted green operational policies.
When completed in the fall of 2008, the research should provide an understanding of the global and North American impacts from the business mandate to embrace sustainable/green business practices for the next three to five years, defining risks, opportunities, and strategies for North American printers and suppliers. Most of the analysis will be reported relative to firm size, market specialty, and geographic region.
For information about PRIMIR research or membership details, contact Jackie Bland, PRIMIR Managing Director at e-mail: jbland@primir.org, or phone: 703/264-7200 x 211. Visit PRIMIR on the web at: www.primir.org .
About PRIMIR
The Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (PRIMIR), provides in-depth research and analysis for the graphic communications industry. PRIMIR research is funded by member dues as well as through support from NPES. PRIMIR annually provides over $600,000 in current research studies including relevant market data and detailed information on graphic arts and related fields. Members also benefit from meetings, market research skills building, and robust networking opportunities.
