Printing Industries received government funding under the IIGF component of EPICS to undertake the research project to determine if, where and how Australian Book Producers could compete effectively with Asian based competitors.  

The project used a combination of academic rigour, industry nous, and international connections to gather accurate data from three key sources.

1. First was the Australian publishing industry. The research had already identified what they buy and the basis on which they chose one supplier over another.
2. The next phase surveyed a representative sampling of Australian book producers to determine how well they deliver the things that publishers want, and analysed their cost structures.
3. The final phase used international connections to gather the same data from Asian producers.

Data was analysed to measure and compare the total value chain from beginning to end, and also its separate parts, to see where opportunities exist for new approaches. The results provide book producers with accurate and timely information that they can use to guide their decisions on investments, operations and future direction.

Our consultant's worked to maintain a practical focus and provide tools that book producers can use to improve their competitive position.

Competing more effectively means keeping the customers you have and expanding your market share. If you are competing head to head with Asian producers, this report will show you how to compete more effectively.  

The project developed tools book producers can use to become more competitive both on-shore and off-shore. A concise report will be published later in 2004, however the full reports are available below.

International Competitiveness Study Report Phase 1 (pdf - 329.1 kb) This interim report describes the first phase of a project designed to provide useful tools for Australian book producers to become more efficient and competitive. It describes the rationale and methods used to research and analyse what types of books are purchased by Australian publishers, and the factors publishers use to select one supplier over another.

International Competitiveness Study Report Phase 2 (pdf - 310.3 kb) This reports the progress and methodologies employed to complete Phase Two of the project.

International Competitiveness Study Report Phase 3 (pdf - 55.2 kb) This reports the completion of data gathering activities that formed Phase Three of the project.

International Competitivness Report Data Analysis (pdf - 649.3 kb) This report records the analysis of: • The relative strategic approaches of Asian and Australian book producers; • The depreciation regimes, taxation rates, and similar factors where they may provide a potential competitive advantage or disadvantage; and • Cultural aspects of domestic and foreign producers.