Navigating the European Publishing Landscape – A Conversation with Bart – Part 2

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

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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.