In conjunction with Pira and ViP, the BPIF has secured funding from the Dti to part-finance a technology mapping exercise covering the magazine and direct mail sectors.
It will involve focus groups and creative brainstorming with key DM strategists and representatives from publishing companies such as IPC, Emap and NatMags.
"Printers need to make huge investments in technology," said the BPIF's strategic partnerships director Andy Brown. "This work can help ensure those are the right investments by opening up a dialogue between clients and manufacturers."
"It's a three-stage process," said Pira's manager of print John Birkenshaw. "First the publishers and direct marketers will lay out their visions for the future of print, then manufacturers will analyse their practicality. We will then disseminate our findings at the beginning of March."
The workshops will take place with publishers on 13 January and direct marketers on 7 February.
"A particular concern will be the role printed electronics plays in the future of the printing industry," Birkenshaw said.
BPIF leads print technology study
High-profile members of the publishing and direct marketing sectors are to join together to map out their visions of how printing technology will develop over the next 10-15 years.
