Recommendations for the printing industry from Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO)

ITO has published the Printing Industry Report. According to the report, it is deemed necessary to strengthen vocational education in terms of materials, curriculum, and technology in order to provide qualified white-collar and blue-collar workers to the printing industry.

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) has published the Printing Industry Report. According to a written statement by ITO, at the introduction meeting of the ‘Printing Industry Report’ held at the Eminonu Central Building of the Chamber, it was emphasized that the sector is rapidly changing with digitalization and the impact of new technologies.

The report also shared findings and recommendations regarding the future of the printing industry.
According to the information provided, around 3,000 businesses operating in the printing sector in Istanbul generate a business volume ranging from 80 to 96 million euros. The sector employs 90,000 people and employment is on the rise.

The report stated that solutions need to be worked on for the efficient and effective use of the printing sector’s €3 billion machinery park. It was pointed out that with the savings from investment capital, business capitals could be strengthened.

Sector Expectations
One of the most important needs of the sector is qualified human resources, both white-collar and blue-collar. In order to meet this need of the sector, it is deemed necessary to improve and strengthen vocational education in terms of materials, curriculum, and technology, in addition to on-the-job trainings. Furthermore, university-business collaborations in the context of occupations approved by the Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK) are also important.

The report, prepared with the contributions of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Printing-Publishing Profession Committee and conducted by Istanbul Commerce University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ömer Torlak and his team, listed some other recommendations for companies in the sector as follows:
– Opportunities and threats brought by digitalization should be read in a timely and correct manner. Hardware and software deficiencies should be addressed.
– Sales to individual customers are higher compared to sales through agencies. Therefore, marketing, sales activities, and advertising investments should be increased for customers.
– Awareness in the sector should be raised for product design, product development, and R&D. Necessary studies should be conducted promptly in terms of human resources and financial support.
– R&D efforts should be accelerated to improve product quality.
– The perception should be strengthened that competition should be based on quality products rather than disruptive pricing.

Speaking at the meeting, ITO Board Member Münir Üstün stated that publishing and printing are at the center of the technological transformation and change. Üstün pointed out that the Printing Industry Report provides a broad view of the sector from micro to macro, stating, ‘The printing industry in Istanbul continues to grow and develop. This great power now needs to prepare for the future in light of technology, qualified employment, financial resources, adaptation to new conditions, and new applications.’

Istanbul Commerce University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ömer Torlak emphasized the importance of data-based knowledge, stating, ‘Through this projection, we tried to present the general situation of the sector in the report and express some of our findings and predictions for the future.’