Page 11 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL4

‘Technology companies offer huge opportunities for the publishing industry. They also require publishers to think hard about their core strengths and contribution to the publishing process’but embrace the collaboration it requires. And we have nothing to fear: there is a long history of collaboration between East and West in publishing. Something which I believe differentiates publishing from other industries is that our shared belief in the importance of what we do overcomes any differences in culture, etc. Writers are writers the world over and readers are readers. The only obstacles that we need to address relate to abuses of copyright and restriction of freedom of expres- sion. When these obstacles are removed, collaboration and under- standing follow.Many big and successful multina- tional corporations such as Amazon,Google, Apple, Microsoft and others play large roles in the digital content business. Does the IPA have any advice on how members can work with these large companies?Neither I nor the IPA can give advice on specifics. Technology companies offer huge opportunities for the publishing industry. They also require publishers to think hard about their core strengths and contribution to the publishing process, but neither we nor they should ever forget the crucial importance of writers and the need to nourish and protect them. Technology can deliver content but writers create it.We’d like to hear your invitation to everyone whose endeavours areaffected by copyright, world literacy and freedom of expression. Why is it a must that they visit the congress in March?The IPA Congress is where publishers who truly care about publishing and the future of their publishing houses can meet and learn from each other. The “must” is that if you want your business to grow and sustain itself do come to the congress, listen, learn and most importantly contribute. The stakes are high, the opportunities huge, and insights will allow you to take advantage of the fast-growing Asian market for quality content.Elite+ 9