A new poll by FuturePrint and Ricoh shows a resilient print sector innovating amid accelerated change, with 44.93% expecting an increase in demand for inkjet print.
‘Covid-19 and the Future of Print 2021’ is based on 139 responses from companies within Israel, Lebanon, USA, UK, Italy, Spain, Canada, Belgium, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Mexico, Turkey, and was conducted in October 2020.
Over half (56.52%) of the respondents said they adapted to create new demand and solve problems during the pandemic. Almost half (46.72%) said they have not had to downsize during the period – 17.52% said they have restructured but without losing staff.
Asked how they see the future of retail print, 57.66% said print would need to be integrated into a digitalised strategy including digital signage and smart packaging. 21.17% said they expected a reduction print demand as retail in Europe struggles with the restrictions placed upon it, and the same percentage felt print would need to change to enhance the retail experience and be less about sales.
In terms of investment, half (50.72%) said they had changed their plans and were looking for solutions to new problems, while 31.16% said they had not changed plans, and 18.12 said investment was on hold.
On recruitment, attracting young people was a focus. 81.16% said the industry could be doing more to support young people at the start of their careers.77.37 said the industry needs to do more with schools and colleges to flag up careers options, and 62.77% said there’s a need for mentoring schemes. Apprenticeships and training grants also came high on the wish list.