What do you think will be the greatest opportunity for and threat to the print industry next year?

Drupa, the Euro and the economy (not necessarily in this order).

What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to gain more prominence in 2012?
Packaging, printing in general and – specifically – low migration ink packaging printing.

What do you hope to get out of Drupa 2012?
Orders first and foremost, given that KBA will have a raft of announcements in the pipeline that will underpin our 200-year history of creative development and innovation.  

 What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
Obviously we have announced an exciting relationship with RR Donnelley to develop next generation digital inkjet printing solutions for the packaging securities, commercial and newspaper segments. The new technology developed as a result of this will be revealed for the first time at the show.

 What do you think the main trends will be at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
Delivering cost effective print in the face of decreasing run lengths is the biggest challenge printers are facing today. I expect to see more hardware and software solutions designed to address this, such as Flying Job Change and Simultaneous Plate Changing, which KBA has already developed and successfully rolled out to the marketplace.

What can the industry do to increase its profile next year?
All of us in print (including Printweek) need to focus on the positive contribution of print, whether that is in newspaper, commercial or packaging printing. There are many examples of successful print businesses that focus on value for clients and the benefits print has to offer.

What will you do differently next year?
In business, KBA will try to expand our product and service offering, in order to for us and our customers to remain competitive. An example is that we will drop standard spare part delivery charges as of January. Personally, I will try not to fall off my motorcycle (again).