The 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo kicked off on September 21 in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province. The Expo, which spans three days, focuses on fostering new productive forces within the publishing industry, creating high-quality digital content, and promoting international cooperation in digital publishing. It brings together over 600 domestic and international experts, including representatives from organizations such as the Japan Book Publishers Association, the Korea Creative Content Agency, and the French Syndicat National de l'Édition.
Key Highlights of the Expo
Global Industry Leaders Gather for Insightful Discussions
Virginie Clayssen, Chair of the Syndicat National de l'Édition Digital Commission, delivered a keynote speech at the main forum, emphasizing the importance of digitizing early 20th-century French books through the "Relier" project. This initiative aims to revive over 96,000 out-of-print titles using advanced digital technologies, illustrating how digitalization can breathe new life into forgotten works.
Arnout Jacobs, President of Springer Nature Greater China, highlighted the role of AI in the publishing industry. He stated, “AI will not replace humans but will serve as a powerful assistant, enabling us to work more efficiently and innovate faster.” He stressed the need to carefully select and apply technologies that truly benefit humanity and the publishing industry.
Seiichi Higuchi, Executive Director of the Japan Book Publishers Association, emphasized the necessity of international collaboration in digital publishing. “Technological upgrades and distribution channel innovations require a global approach. Strengthening international cooperation is essential for setting technical standards and ensuring legal coordination,” he noted.
Hainan as a Hub for Digital Publishing Innovation
Hainan is emerging as a vibrant center for digital publishing, leveraging its status as a free trade port to enhance cultural exports and digital trade. Wu Bin, Chairman of Hainan Publishing and Distribution Group, spoke about the development of a digital publishing and copyright trade incubation base. This initiative aims to harness Hainan’s unique policy advantages to foster international digital cultural trade.
Expansive Exhibition Showcasing Innovation
The Expo’s 30,000-square-meter exhibition area features over 500 publishing and cultural technology enterprises, showcasing cutting-edge products and projects. Highlights include advancements in digital content creation, technological innovations in publishing, and new collaborative efforts between Chinese and international companies.
China’s Digital Publishing Industry on the Rise
According to a report from the China Academy of Press and Publication, the total scale of China’s digital publishing industry reached over 1.6 trillion yuan ($0.23 trillion) in 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.08%. This rapid expansion underscores the dynamic growth of digital publishing in China and its increasing significance on the global stage.
The Expo not only serves as a platform for discussing the future of digital publishing but also highlights Hainan’s role as a key player in the industry’s global development. With a focus on innovation, international collaboration, and technological advancement, the 2024 China International Digital Publishing Expo is poised to shape the future of the global publishing landscape.