The Role of the Printing Industry of the Future Within the Communications Infrastructure of the United Kingdom

Abstract

This thesis examines the effect of new technology on printing and publishing now and the likely changes by 1995. Computer-driven technology (and particularly micro-electronic computers) are having an effect on most major industries but the greatest effect is in the field of information processing and distribution. Since the situation is complex an information transfer model is proposed and used where possible in the thesis as a means to identify and clarify the issues involved. The thesis examines both the direct and indirect effects of new technology on printing. The direct effect is seen in the new electronic equipment (electronic composition and page-make up systems, scanners and laser plate-makers) which are causing major changes in production methods. The indirect effect occurs in two ways. First in the emergence of new substitutes for printing such as high speed copiers, ink jet and laser printers and new electronic media such as view-data and teletext. Second in the emergence of industries using these technologies and the development of publishing potential of established industries such as the telecommunications and computer supply industries. All these effects are dependent on socio-economic conditions and are in turn causing major socio-economic changes such as job loss and creation, retraining, company closures and the creation of new companies. To ensure that full consideration is given to all these factors background information is given on: structure of the printing, publishing and alternative industries, new technology in printing, print substitution technologies and alternative media. The implications of the new technologies for manpower and consumer are then explored using the information transfer model. A forecast is then made of the situation in printing and publishing to 1995.