The Role of Prosumer in Reshaping the Publishing Industry: Preliminary Findings from the Mobius Project

Abstract

As reported by the Federation of European Publishers [2] "Book publishing is the largest cultural industry in Europe, and European publishing (uniquely among European cultural industries) is a world leader". The sector can count on euro36-40 billion in market value, euro22-24 billion turnover per year, and from 600.000 to 700.000 jobs. However, digital transformation is imposing massive changes. To keep the position, the European publishing industry must dominate the transformation. In line with this, the aim of the research conducted in the Mobius project, funded by the European Commission, is twofold. On the one hand, to gather knowledge on existing practices considering challenges and opportunities for the sector. On the other hand, to deliver, at the end of the funding, (i) technical solutions that could foster the state of the art of the sector and (ii) theoretical contribution, in terms of new business model, to reshape current models for revenue. In line with this, it is crucial to understand the power of the so-called prosumers and empower them into the value chain delivering user-centric and user-driven perspectives in the design and delivery of enriched media experiences for books. Given the importance and centrality of the publishing industry for other creative and cultural sectors as well (e.g., audiovisual, music, architecture, etc.), the expectation is that research findings will inform future European policy strategies for the cultural and creative industry in order to provide support and funding to the publishing sector.