Category: Beyond The Page

Beyond the Page – Thought Leadership, Insights, and Stories from the Heart of Integra

Welcome to Beyond the Page, where we go beyond publishing to bring you thought leadership, insights, and stories from the heart of Integra. Each episode features Integra’s leaders and experts as they share their vision, strategies, and experiences in shaping the future of the industry. Tune in for an exclusive look at the minds driving innovation and transformation within our organization.

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In an era where digital content is pervasive, ensuring accessibility is more important than ever. Lakshmanan Thirumoorthy, Deputy General Manager – Production & QA Services at Integra, leads a team that focuses on providing end-to-end accessibility solutions for publishers across various industries. From education publishing to research and scholarly publishing, Lakshmanan’s expertise lies in helping clients ensure their content is universally accessible, meeting global standards and providing inclusive access for all readers.

In this interview, Lakshmanan shares his insights into the importance of accessibility in publishing, the challenges publishers face, and how Integra helps them meet these challenges, particularly in the fields of education and research publishing.

Getting to Know Lakshmanan

Lakshmanan, could you tell us about your role at Integra and how your journey led you to focus on accessibility solutions for the publishing industry?

Lakshmanan: Sure! I head the QA Services delivery unit at Integra, where we specialize in functionality and content checking for eLearning platforms and web-based products.

My journey in the digital publishing industry began with transforming content into various formats such as HTML, XML, EPUB, and PDFs. Over the years, I have worked extensively with University Press books, journals, and magazines—each requiring a deep understanding of content structure, metadata, and regulatory compliance.

With 24 years of experience, I have witnessed and addressed many challenges in digital content transformation—from structuring data as per document type definitions to clarifying business rules, defining automation requirements for developers, and effectively demonstrating scenarios to publishers. Instead of seeing these as obstacles, I viewed them as opportunities—each requiring tailored solutions to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.

As the publishing industry shifts toward accessibility and inclusivity, the demand for WCAG-compliant content has grown significantly. My focus has been on ensuring digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, helping publishers meet compliance standards while maintaining content integrity.

What does your day-to-day work as Deputy General Manager of Production & QA Services entail? How do you manage the accessibility aspect across different types of publishing?

Lakshmanan: My primary focus is integrating accessibility compliance into every stage of digital content transformation. My day-to-day work involves a mix of strategic planning, troubleshooting with teams, automation, and process optimization.

Each type of Web and Non-Web content follows a unique set of comprehensive accessibility guidelines, enabling publishers to make their digital content more inclusive.

• EPUB Accessibility: Ensures proper structural markup, text spacing, adjustable font sizes (using sans-serif fonts), CSS display settings, text alternatives for meaningful images, embedding pre-recorded audio and video, activating navigation links, defining document properties, and maintaining color contrast.
• PDF Accessibility: Focuses on logical reading order, tab order, text alternatives for images, bookmarks for navigation, proper content tagging, OCR for scanned PDFs, activated links, document properties, and color contrast adjustments.
• Web Accessibility: Covers page titles, meaningful sequence, orientation, use of color, reflow, keyboard operability, input modalities, consistent navigation, identification, help/search features, and status messages to ensure seamless user interaction.
• MS Office Accessibility: Applies to Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations, each with its own set of guidelines for structured content, alternative text, and keyboard navigation.
• Video & Audio Accessibility: Involves captions, transcripts, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions to make multimedia content accessible to all users.

By addressing these accessibility requirements across different content types, I help publishers ensure compliance with WCAG standards while improving the user experience for diverse audiences.

What excites you most about the growing focus on accessibility in education and research publishing?

Lakshmanan: In the past, accessibility was often seen as an afterthought. Today, it has become a core requirement in digital publishing, ensuring that students, researchers, and educators have equal access to information, regardless of their abilities.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines provide concrete strategies that can be applied across disciplines to ensure that all learners can engage in meaningful and challenging learning experiences.

This significant growth in accessibility has led to digital publications being more widely available on eReaders like iPad, Kindle, and Screen Readers, reducing reliance on printed hard-copy books. The combination of digitalization and accessibility compliance has broadened access to content, making learning more inclusive and interactive.

The shift towards accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging learning environment for everyone.

The Importance of Accessibility in Publishing

Accessibility is becoming a central focus in publishing. Why is accessibility so crucial for the publishing industry, especially in education and research publishing?

Lakshmanan: Accessibility is essential because it removes barriers, allowing students, researchers, and professionals to engage with content independently.

• It enables students with disabilities to access textbooks, assignments, and assessments in formats that suit their learning needs.
• Digital content with alt text, captions, structured navigation, and interactive elements enhances comprehension and engagement.
• Academic papers, journals, and reports become accessible to all researchers, fostering inclusive collaboration and global knowledge-sharing without restrictions.

By prioritizing accessibility, the publishing industry ensures that knowledge is truly inclusive, benefiting all learners and researchers worldwide.

In what ways does inaccessible content affect the experience of students, educators, and researchers?

Lakshmanan: When content is accessible, students learn better, educators teach more effectively, and researchers contribute without barriers, driving innovation and progress.

However, inaccessible content creates significant barriers, limiting the ability to learn, teach, and share knowledge effectively:

• Students struggle with limited access to learning materials if features like alt text, captions, proper navigation, or screen reader compatibility are missing. This exclusion from interactive learning makes education unequal and frustrating.
• Educators spend more time troubleshooting accessibility issues rather than focusing on effective teaching.
• Researchers face difficulties in exploring and contributing to their fields when academic papers, reports, and journals are not structured for accessibility.

How are digital formats contributing to accessibility challenges, and how do publishers ensure that their content remains accessible across different devices and platforms?

Lakshmanan: Key Challenges in Digital accessibility:

• Device and Browser variability: Content may display differently across eReaders, tablets, laptops, desktops, browsers, and mobile devices, leading to inconsistent experiences.
• Multilingual Content & Screen Readers: Ensuring that screen readers interpret and pronounce text correctly in different languages is essential for comprehension.
• Interactive & Dynamic Content: Auto-scrolling, flashing animations, or complex interactions can create barriers if not properly optimized.

Publishers can create a truly inclusive reading experience that works across all platforms and devices by implementing the following best practices:

• Follow W3C WAI & WCAG Guidelines: Adhering to industry standards ensures compliance and inclusivity.
• Optimize Layout & Responsiveness: Implement readable line lengths, responsive breakpoints for different screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop), and maximum width settings for better readability.
• Ensure Proper Contrast & Color Use: Maintain a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or bold 14pt+). Avoid using color alone to convey information—use icons or text labels instead.
• Use Semantic HTML & Logical Navigation: Avoid excessive use of ARIA roles when native HTML elements suffice. Ensure logical tab order for smooth keyboard navigation.
• Descriptive Links & Status Messages: Instead of generic links like “Click Here” or “Learn More”, use meaningful text (e.g., “Learn More About Pricing”).
• Manage Animations & Motion Effects: Avoid auto-scrolling or flashing effects that could trigger motion sickness or seizures. Provide options to pause, stop, or hide animations.

 

Integra’s Accessibility Solutions

Integra provides a range of accessibility services for publishers. Could you explain how Integra supports education and research publishers in making their content accessible?

Lakshmanan: Integra offers comprehensive solutions that meet global accessibility standards such as WCAG v2.2, Section 508, EAA (EN 301 549), PDF Universal Accessibility Standards, HTML5 Semantics, and EPUB Accessibility 1.0.

• Expert-Led Manual Remediation: We avoid over-relying on automation, ensuring that all content undergoes careful manual review for high-quality accessibility solutions.
• Customized Solutions: We provide tailored remediation for a variety of publishing platforms and digital formats, addressing the unique needs of each project.
• Scalability: Integra has the capacity to handle large volumes of content, ensuring that accessibility standards are consistently met while maintaining compliance and accuracy.

Can you provide an example of how Integra has worked with a client in education publishing to improve the accessibility of their materials?

Lakshmanan: Certainly! One notable example is our collaboration with Pearson Education on their STEM discipline books digital-first work. Pearson required their online textbooks, workbooks, and interactive learning materials to be made accessible for students with visual impairments, hearing disabilities, and other accessibility needs.

Integra provided comprehensive accessibility services to ensure that Pearson’s educational content was fully accessible, enhancing the learning experience for all students. In addition to improving engagement, we also ensured full compliance with global accessibility standards, making the content inclusive for a wider range of learners.

Ensuring Accessibility at Every Stage of Publishing

Accessibility must be integrated early in the publishing process. Can you walk us through the typical steps Integra follows to ensure accessibility from pre-production to post-production?

Lakshmanan:

Pre-Production: Planning & Content Assessment:

• Initial Analysis: Assessing content structure and defining accessibility requirements.
• Guideline Definition: Outlining accessibility standards based on file formats (e.g., WCAG, Section 508).
• Project Planning: Establishing goals, timelines, and deliverables with the client.

Production: Content Remediation & Quality Control

• Remediation: Applying automated and manual remediation to ensure accessibility.
• Testing: Using tools like ANDI and Axe for automated checks, supplemented by manual reviews.
• User Feedback: Incorporating input from users with disabilities for real-world usability.

Post-Production: Final Validation & Delivery

• Review: Conducting a final check for accessibility compliance.
• Delivery & Support: Delivering the final content, along with post-production support for updates or adjustments.

What challenges do you face when converting print content into accessible digital formats like EPUBs and accessible PDFs, and how does Integra handle these?

Lakshmanan: I felt I already answered to this question earlier.

How does Integra ensure quality assurance (QA) throughout the process to guarantee the content is both accessible and of high quality?

Lakshmanan: I have explained in detail for similar question earlier.

Customizing Accessibility for Different Publishers

How does Integra assist research publishers in ensuring that complex academic content is presented in accessible formats, without compromising on the integrity of the content?

Lakshmanan: One key accessibility challenge is handling Math Equations in academic content. Some eReaders struggle to correctly pronounce MathML, impacting accessibility. To address this, Integra customizes solutions based on publisher preferences—offering fall back images with proper text alternatives for screen readers while ensuring seamless rendering across devices. This approach maintains both content integrity and accessibility compliance without compromising usability.

The Future of Accessibility in Education and Research Publishing

As the publishing industry evolves, where do you see the future of accessibility in education and research publishing? How do you think emerging technologies will shape this future?

Lakshmanan:

Emerging technologies like AI, voice assistants, immersive AR/VR, and haptic feedback will enhance accessibility, enabling students and researchers to engage with content in more intuitive ways.

AI-powered tools help generate alt text, convert math equations into accessible formats, and conduct automated compliance checks.

At Integra, we integrate AI-driven automation with expert-led manual remediation, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality. We use AI-based OCR for scanned content, natural language processing (NLP) for alt text generation, and automated accessibility testing tools for compliance verification.

Integra is committed to expanding its accessibility solutions by investing in advanced AI-driven tools, enhancing its accessibility testing frameworks, and strengthening partnerships with education and research publishers. We are also working on developing scalable, customizable accessibility solutions for dynamic digital content, including interactive learning modules, scientific journals, and STEM resources. Additionally, we plan to enhance our support for emerging formats like immersive e-learning, AR/VR content, and AI-powered assistive technologies to ensure universal accessibility.

Conclusion:

Thank you, Lakshmanan, for sharing your valuable insights on the importance of accessibility in education and research publishing. As the publishing world continues to embrace digital transformation, ensuring that content is accessible for all readers has never been more important. Integra’s comprehensive accessibility solutions are making it easier for publishers to comply with standards and reach a broader, more inclusive audience.

For education and research publishers looking to make their content more inclusive, Integra offers the tools and expertise to get there.

Beyond the Page – Thought Leadership, Insights, and Stories from the Heart of Integra

Welcome to Beyond the Page, where we go beyond publishing to bring you thought leadership, insights, and stories from the heart of Integra. Each episode features Integra’s leaders and experts as they share their vision, strategies, and experiences in shaping the future of the industry. Tune in for an exclusive look at the minds driving innovation and transformation within our organization.

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Automation, Innovation, and Industry Collaboration

As we continue our conversation with Bart, we dive deeper into the role of automation in publishing, exploring how European publishers are embracing AI-driven solutions to optimize their workflows and streamline operations. We also discuss the significance of industry conferences in fostering collaboration and staying ahead of emerging trends. In this second part of our interview series, Bart offers valuable insights into the evolving publishing landscape and how service providers like Integra are helping publishers navigate challenges related to automation, accessibility compliance, and the integration of new technologies.

The Role of Automation in Publishing

How are European publishers embracing automation to enhance efficiency and reduce operational burdens?

Bart: Many publishers are integrating AI-driven tools into their workflows to reduce manual intervention, streamline processes, and improve accuracy. Whether it’s automating metadata tagging, peer review assignments, or accessibility checks, automation is helping publishers cut costs and accelerate time-to-market.

From your conversations with publishers, what are the biggest pain points that automation can help solve?

Bart: Here are a couple of pain points from recent conversations I had at the APE conference in Berlin:

• Metadata management – Publishers often struggle with inconsistent and incomplete metadata, which affects content discoverability and distribution. AI-led tools ensure more accurate and consistent metadata tagging, improving content discoverability and workflow efficiencies.
• Peer review bottlenecks – The peer review process is frequently delayed due to the difficulty of finding suitable reviewers and manually screening initial manuscript submissions. These inefficiencies slow down the publishing cycle and create frustration for authors and editors. Automating reviewer selection and initial manuscript screening reduces delays.
• Content formatting and accessibility – Publishers must comply with various formatting and accessibility standards, which often require tedious manual adjustments. Ensuring that content is accessible to all readers, including those with disabilities, can be a resource-intensive process. AI tools can automatically reformat documents or supplement them to meet compliance requirements, making content more universally accessible with minimal manual intervention.
• Production delays – The manual nature of content production often results in inefficiencies, particularly when adapting content for multiple platforms and formats. These delays can impact revenue and time-to-market. Automation speeds up content production, ensuring faster turnaround times for multichannel outputs while maintaining quality and consistency.

What are some innovative ways publishers are using AI and workflow automation to manage manuscript submissions, peer review, and production processes?

Bart: AI is playing a big role in making publishing workflows more efficient. Some of the most innovative applications include:

• AI-assisted peer review – Machine learning models help identify suitable reviewers based on expertise, reducing the time it takes to assign peer reviewers.
• Automated manuscript screening – AI can check for plagiarism, language quality, and adherence to submission guidelines before human editors even see the manuscript.
• Smart production workflows – Automated content structuring tools ensure consistency across formats, from XML-first workflows to accessibility tagging.
• Chatbots for author support – AI-powered chatbots are helping authors navigate submission processes and resolve common queries instantly.

How does Integra’s suite of technology solutions help publishers streamline their operations?

Bart: Integra provides end-to-end workflow automation solutions that address key publisher challenges. Some standout offerings include automating workflows, enhancing content management, and improving production efficiency. By integrating our technology-driven solutions, Integra helps publishers optimize production, reduce costs, and enhance content engagement across digital and traditional platforms. At the same time, publishers can focus on high-value tasks while reducing operational and administrative efforts.

Here’s a snapshot of our solutions contributing to a more optimized publishing process:

• Our platforms automate content creation, editing, and production, reducing manual effort and ensuring faster turnaround times.
• AI-powered tools assist in quality checks, metadata tagging, and indexing, making content more discoverable.
• Our solutions enable seamless conversion of print content to digital formats, ensuring multi-platform accessibility.
• Digital asset management tools help publishers organize and distribute content efficiently across various channels.
• An XML-first approach ensures content is structured for easy adaptation across digital and print mediums. It supports multiple output formats like EPUB, HTML, and PDF, reducing redundancy and production costs.
• Specialized teams cater to educational publishers by integrating interactive learning elements and enhancing digital learning experiences.
• Rights & Permissions, Copyright, and licensing management tools help our customers track and monetize their intellectual property. Our partially automated permissions handling process reduces legal risks and administrative overhead.
• Our Cloud-based project & production management tools facilitate collaboration between authors, editors, and designers.
• Our WMS with real-time tracking and reporting ensures transparency in the publishing workflow.

Conferences and Industry Networking

You’ve been attending several industry conferences lately. Can you tell us about your experience at these events?

Bart: Conferences are invaluable! They are always a great way to stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in publishing. They provide a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, learn about cutting-edge technologies, and engage in discussions that shape the future of publishing. Personally, I find these events incredibly valuable—not just for business development but also for gaining fresh perspectives on how publishers are tackling emerging challenges.

How do industry conferences help service providers like Integra connect with and better understand the needs of publishers?

Bart: Conferences are a two-way street. While they give service providers like Integra a platform to showcase our solutions, they are equally important for listening to publishers—understanding their evolving needs, pain points, and strategic priorities. Face-to-face conversations help us refine our offerings to ensure they align with what publishers truly need. In many cases, discussions at these events have led to collaborations where we’ve co-developed solutions to address industry challenges.

What are some key takeaways from the recent conferences you attended?

Bart: A few key trends have stood out in recent conferences:

• Accessibility is a top priority – With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect, publishers are actively seeking solutions to ensure compliance.
• AI is no longer a ‘future’ technology—it’s here – Many publishers are exploring AI-driven tools to optimize editorial workflows, automate peer review, and enhance discoverability.
• Collaboration is driving innovation – Publishers, technology providers, and industry bodies are working more closely than ever to develop standards, tools, and best practices that benefit the industry as a whole.
• Data-driven decision-making is becoming critical – Publishers are looking for better analytics and insights to understand reader behaviour, content performance, and business trends.
• Research Integrity is a pressing issue due to the growing threat of fraud, paper mills, and predatory practices. Additionally, the use of AI in generating content, analysing data, or even writing papers introduces new ethical dilemmas. Publishers need clear policies on AI-generated research, ensuring transparency and proper disclosure.

In what ways do publishers benefit from engaging with service providers and technology partners at these events?

Bart: Conferences provide publishers with direct access to cutting-edge solutions and expert insights. Engaging with service providers like Integra helps publishers:

• Discover new technologies – From AI and automation to accessibility tools, publishers can explore innovative ways to enhance their workflows.
• Learn from case studies – Seeing how other publishers have successfully implemented new solutions provides actionable insights.
• Network and build partnerships – Conferences foster collaborations that lead to new opportunities and shared learning experiences.
• Stay ahead of industry shifts – With regulations like the EAA and advancements in AI, staying informed is crucial for long-term success.

How European Publishers Perceive Integra

You work closely with many publishers across Europe. How do they view Integra as a partner in workflow optimization and technology adoption?

Bart: Integra is seen as a trusted technology partner that understands the unique challenges of publishing. Whether it’s scholarly, educational, or trade publishing, our focus on automation, workflow optimization, and compliance has made a strong impact. Publishers appreciate that we don’t just offer tools—we offer tailored solutions that fit their specific needs, whether it’s AI-powered editorial workflows, SMEs, accessibility compliance, or seamless content conversion. Our deep industry expertise, combined with a collaborative approach, has helped us build strong, long-term partnerships.

What are some areas where Integra has made a significant impact for European publishers?

Bart: Here are some of the ways in which Integra is currently supporting European publishers in adapting to a rapidly evolving publishing landscape.

• Digital Learning Solutions – For educational publishers, our e-learning and new media delivery teams have transformed how content is delivered and consumed.
• Automated content workflows – We helped many publishers reduce manual effort in production, peer review, and editorial processes.
• Accessibility compliance – We are enabling publishers to meet the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requirements seamlessly. With the EAA Act approaching, we’ve helped many publishers make their content born accessible and remediate backlists, ensuring compliance while maintaining production efficiency.
• AI-Powered Content Transformation – We’ve implemented AI-driven solutions for metadata enrichment, language localization, and intelligent content tagging, streamlining editorial workflows.
• Workflow Management Optimization – Every day we are streamlining collaboration between authors, editors, and reviewers to improve efficiency. From manuscript submission to peer review and production, we’ve introduced automated workflows that reduce manual effort and improve turnaround times.

In your opinion, what makes Integra stand out from other publishing solutions providers in Europe?

Bart: What sets Integra apart is our combination of deep publishing expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a highly customized approach. Our 3 decades of experience in scholarly and educational publishing enable us to anticipate challenges and proactively offer solutions. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, we focus on building scalable and adaptable workflows that fit publishers’ unique business models. Our ability to integrate automation seamlessly into publishing operations and how we customize technology to fit publisher-specific workflows is a key reason why many leading publishers choose Integra and make us a preferred partner. Plus, our strong industry engagement—through collaborations with organizations like EASE and ISMTE—keeps us at the forefront of publishing innovation.

The Future of Publishing in Europe

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for publishers in Europe?

Bart: Before diving into the opportunities and challenges, it’s important to acknowledge that the publishing industry in Europe is at a crossroads. We are seeing rapid digital transformation, evolving reader expectations, and tightening regulations. At Integra, we are constantly tracking these shifts to understand how we can best support our clients in this evolving landscape.

Opportunities:

• AI & Automation: Streamlining editorial and production processes will create even more efficiencies and free up editorial teams to focus on higher-value tasks. The potential for AI to streamline editorial, peer review, and production workflows is enormous.
• Accessibility: The push for inclusive content presents an opportunity to reach broader audiences and maximize revenue from content.
• New Business Models: Open Access, subscription-based learning platforms, and AI-driven content monetization are reshaping publishing economics. With increasing global support for OA, publishers have opportunities to innovate in funding models and content accessibility.
• Personalized learning & adaptive content: In educational publishing, digital tools are going to offer more customized learning experiences.

Challenges:

• Regulatory Compliance: Adapting to evolving regulations like the EAA can be complex. The EAA, GDPR, and evolving Open Access mandates require publishers to constantly adapt.
• Keeping up with digital transformation & Technology Adoption: While automation is critical, integrating new tech into legacy workflows can be complex. Integrating new technologies without disrupting existing operations remains a challenge.
• Revenue Pressures & Business Model Sustainability: Many publishers are navigating financial constraints as they transition from traditional to digital-first & Open Research models. Publishers need to balance Open Access growth with revenue generation.

How can European publishers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape?

Bart: To stay competitive, publishers should:

• Invest in AI and automation to improve efficiency. Efficiency gains through machine learning, NLP, and workflow automation will be game-changers!
• Prioritize discoverability and accessibility compliance to future-proof content. Enhance discoverability through metadata enrichment and AI-powered indexing, and proactively adapting to regulations like the EAA will ensure long-term sustainability.
• Strengthen industry collaborations to stay ahead of trends and best practices.
• Diversify Revenue Streams – Exploring new business models, such as microtransactions, adaptive learning, and Open Access funding, can help publishers thrive in a digital-first world.

What advice would you give to publishers looking to integrate technology more effectively into their workflows?

• Start with a Clear Strategy – Define the key pain points and goals before adopting new technology.
• Choose Scalable Solutions – Invest in future-proof technologies that can grow with your organization.
• Focus on Seamless Integration – Ensure that new tech aligns with existing workflows rather than disrupting them.
• Leverage AI where it adds the most value – Automate repetitive tasks while keeping human expertise at the core.
• Work with the Right Partners – Collaborating with technology providers who understand publishing (like Integra) ensures smoother adoption.
• Train & Upskill Teams – Technology is only as good as the people using it — training and guiding staff to leverage new tools effectively is crucial.
• Stay flexible and open to innovation – The publishing landscape is evolving fast, and adaptability is key.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Publishers in Europe

Thank you, Bart, for sharing your expertise on the exciting developments in the European publishing industry. Your insights into the intersection of automation, AI, and accessibility compliance underscore the critical role that technology plays in shaping the future of publishing. As European publishers face both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s clear that collaboration and innovation are key to staying competitive.

For publishers looking to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and navigate regulatory complexities, Integra continues to be a trusted partner in driving technological advancements and delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the publishing world.

Beyond the Page – Thought Leadership, Insights, and Stories from the Heart of Integra

Welcome to Beyond the Page, where we go beyond publishing to bring you thought leadership, insights, and stories from the heart of Integra. Each episode features Integra’s leaders and experts as they share their vision, strategies, and experiences in shaping the future of the industry. Tune in for an exclusive look at the minds driving innovation and transformation within our organization.

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With a deep understanding of scholarly and educational publishing, Bart, Vice President of Business Development for Europe at Integra, plays a key role in helping European publishers optimize their workflows, enhance efficiency, and leverage technology. Fluent in Dutch, English, and German, and an active member of the European Association of Science Editors (EASE), Bart brings a unique perspective on the evolving publishing ecosystem in Europe, from automation and workflow improvements to accessibility compliance and regional publishing trends. In this conversation, Bart shares his insights on the European publishing landscape, the impact of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), how automation is reshaping publishing, and how Integra is perceived by publishers across the region. He also reflects on his recent experiences at industry conferences, discussing their value for both publishers and service providers.

Getting to Know Bart

Bart, could you tell us a little about your journey in publishing and your current role at Integra?

Bart: Absolutely! My journey in publishing has been a fascinating one. I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of content and technology, which naturally led me into scholarly publishing. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with publishers across Europe, helping them navigate workflow efficiencies, automation, and the ever-evolving publishing landscape. At Integra, as Vice President of Business Development, I focus on aligning technology with publishers’ needs, ensuring they can scale effectively while staying compliant and innovative.

Based in the Netherlands, you work closely with publishers across Europe. What excites you most about the European publishing scene today?

Bart: What excites me the most is the sheer dynamism of the industry. European publishers are at the forefront of some of the biggest shifts in publishing today—whether it’s the adoption of Open Access models, AI-driven automation, or compliance with regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA). There’s always been a strong push towards digital transformation, and our customers are actively looking for ways to maximize the revenue of their content and make it more inclusive, efficient, and accessible. It’s inspiring to be part of this evolution and to help shape it with our technology-driven solutions.

You are a multilingual professional, fluent in Dutch, English, and German. How has this helped you in engaging with publishers across different markets in Europe?

Bart: Speaking multiple languages has been invaluable! Publishing is a relationship-driven industry, and being able to engage with partners in their native language fosters trust and deeper collaboration. It also helps me understand regional nuances—what works for a German publisher might not be the same for a UK-based one. Cultural and market-specific differences play a big role in business decisions, and language fluency helps me bridge those gaps effectively.

The Publishing Landscape in Europe

How would you describe the current publishing landscape in Europe? What are the key trends and challenges you see emerging?

Bart: The European publishing landscape is going through a period of transformation. Some of the biggest trends include:

• Open Access (OA) Growth: More institutions and funding bodies are pushing for OA models, requiring publishers to rethink their business strategies.
• Automation and AI Adoption: Many publishers are exploring AI-driven tools for peer review, metadata management, and content production.
• Accessibility Compliance: The EAA is a game changer, forcing publishers to rethink how they present content for all users.
• Economic Pressures: With increasing costs and budget constraints, publishers need to do more with less, which is driving demand for workflow optimization.

But one of the biggest challenges is probably balancing innovation with sustainability—how do you embrace new technology without disrupting traditional revenue models? That’s where strategic partnerships, subject matter expertise, and smart automation come into play.

What differences do you observe between scholarly publishing and educational publishing in Europe?

Bart: I think they are quite different. Scholarly publishing is heavily driven by research output, with a strong focus on Open Access, peer review integrity, and digital transformation. Educational publishing, on the other hand, is more curriculum-driven, with a greater emphasis on interactive content and accessibility. Another key difference is that educational publishers need to adapt to national education policies, making their approach more localized compared to scholarly publishers, who often work on a global scale.

How are Open Access (OA) policies shaping scholarly publishing in the region?

Bart: OA is arguably the most significant shift in scholarly publishing today. Policies like Plan S are accelerating the transition to OA, forcing publishers to adopt new business models. Subscription-based models are gradually being replaced by article processing charges (APCs), and there’s a growing emphasis on transparency and equitable access to knowledge. However, there are challenges—smaller publishers, in particular, are struggling with the financial viability of OA. The key to success lies in innovative funding models and technology-driven efficiencies.

What makes UK-based publishers unique compared to their European counterparts?

Bart: UK publishers tend to be more commercially driven and early adopters of digital publishing trends. They are often ahead of the curve in areas like Open Access, AI-driven workflows, and accessibility compliance.

European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Its Impact

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to bring significant changes in publishing. Can you explain why this regulation is so important for publishers?

Bart: The EAA is a game changer because it mandates that all digital content be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes e-books, journals, and other digital publications. The importance of this regulation cannot be overstated—accessibility is no longer a “nice to have” but a legal requirement. More importantly, it’s about inclusivity—ensuring that content is accessible to all readers, regardless of ability.

What challenges do European publishers face in meeting accessibility requirements, and how can companies like Integra help?

Bart: One major challenge is retrofitting existing content to meet accessibility standards—it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Publishers need to rethink everything from document structure and metadata to alternative text for images and screen reader compatibility. Integra helps by offering AI-driven accessibility solutions that automate much of this process, making compliance more efficient and cost-effective.

How do you see accessibility evolving in the next few years within education and scholarly publishing?

Bart: Accessibility will become standard practice rather than an afterthought. We’re going to see more automated tools for real-time accessibility checks, AI-driven content adaptation, and even voice-controlled publishing platforms. The future is about seamless, inclusive content delivery.

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As we’ve seen, the European publishing landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by emerging technologies, changing regulations, and new business models. From automation and AI to accessibility compliance and digital-first strategies, publishers are navigating a complex terrain to stay competitive.

But the journey is far from over. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve deeper into the innovative ways publishers are leveraging AI, automation, and collaboration to tackle pain points, enhance efficiency, and meet evolving demands. Plus, we’ll explore how Integra’s tailored solutions are making a significant impact in driving workflow optimization and tech adoption.

In Part 2, we’ll uncover:

• How AI-driven solutions are reshaping peer review and manuscript management
• The key takeaways from recent industry conferences and networking opportunities
• Integra’s role in helping publishers navigate the challenges of the European publishing landscape

Don’t miss out!