"This report explores how, in recent years, the book publishing industry has transcended limitations of format, scope, reach and audience, and has overcome its own culture and traditions, to integrate itself in the creation, production, distribution and consumption of media content, worldwide. It draws on a wide array of empirical data, as well as case studies and best practice examples, to place book publishing in the larger context of the international media industries, and to highlight the complex and competitive interrelationships of content creation and content consumption. It looks at the leading traditional and non-traditional players in publishing, and at adjacent content media, notably the growing global gaming industry. Potentially disruptive challenges and opportunities that face traditional publishing are identified as coming from innovative mobile and social media. It also examines new approaches in areas such as authors’ collaboration and interaction with consumers, as well as the expected impacts on publishing of the latest areas of research, such as machine learning. The study compares developments in North America and Europe, and contrasts these with Asia in particular, while also shining a spotlight on Africa. It provides a diverse collection of factual information, analysing it in detail for its relevance to book publishing. Furthermore, it includes extensive references for further reading." (Executive summary)