01732 759725 34 substantial or significant negative effect on their operations, 34% expect minimal to no repercussions and 26% indicate that the full extent of the impact remains uncertain. Cloud printing is a top requirement. Almost three-quarters of respondents identify cloud printing as a top requirement. The strong demand for cloud-based solutions reflects a fundamental shift in customer expectations – businesses are moving away from traditional print infrastructures in favour of scalable, secure, and flexible cloud environments. AI is pivotal to future success. Over two-thirds of respondents consider AI critically (21%) or very important (47%). Harnessing AI effectively requires a strategic approach – businesses must invest in talent, infrastructure, and scalable AI solutions to remain competitive. Those that fail to embrace AI, risk falling behind as the industry evolves towards smarter, datadriven solutions. Sustainability is lower on the agenda than AI. Just 15% prioritise developing sustainable solutions and services for customers, with 8% saying enhancing corporate sustainability is a top priority. This raises a critical question: while AI innovation is shaping the future of print, can the industry afford to neglect the imperative for environmental responsibility? Customer relationships are undergoing a significant transformation. Print manufacturers’ influence is expected to decline sharply, while IT service providers rise in prominence. Vendors that fail to evolve risk being overshadowed by IT providers offering end-toend infrastructure management, reshaping the competitive print landscape. www.quocirca.com Geopolitical shifts are driving supply chain upheavals, forcing organisations to reconsider their manufacturing and logistics approaches. And, with increasing uncertainty around tariffs, buyers are actively seeking ways to minimise exposure to additional costs, further reshaping procurement decisions and supplier relationships. Even with the current lull in the tariff war, many organisations will likely make more long-term plans to mitigate any future issues. In its report, Quocirca says that print vendors must move beyond incremental changes in this evolving landscape and embrace more agile, resilient business models. Investments in regionalised supply chains, diversified service offerings, and digital-first solutions will be essential to maintaining stability and relevance. Organisations that fail to adapt, risk losing market position, while those proactively addressing these challenges will be better equipped to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the changing print and IT services ecosystem. Key findings Print volume decline continues. On average, print volumes are expected to fall by around 8.4%. Scan volumes on the increase. As customer digitisation efforts accelerate, 76% expect scan volumes to grow, by an average of 8.3% in the coming year. However, only 37% currently monetise scanning, indicating an opportunity for new business models around document capture and workflow automation. Adopting a services-led model. Transitioning from a product-centric approach to a services-led model remains the leading challenge for print industry players. 36% identify it as a top concern. The impact of tariffs. Ongoing tariff pressures presents a mixed outlook. 15% of respondents anticipate a The print industry continues to navigate rough waters amid market uncertainty. Quocirca points to declining print volumes, market consolidation, and new market entrants as key elements driving the need for print vendors to differentiate more strongly beyond traditional hardware-centric models. Moreover, as demand for cloud-based solutions, AI-driven automation, and workflow automation accelerates, the independent analyst firm warns that traditional OEMs must rethink their strategies to stay competitive. Transitioning from a product-centric approach to a services-led model remains a top challenge, with 36% of respondents citing this shift as a critical priority alongside expanding software and digital service offerings. Yet, the industry’s response to workforce transformation appears sluggish, with only 12% considering talent acquisition a significant concern. This could leave vendors at risk of falling behind competitors that actively invest in expertise beyond traditional print capabilities. Technological disruption is not the only challenge Technological disruption is not the only challenge facing the industry. Quocirca’s State of the Industry 2025 study reveals an industry in flux. A wave of market consolidation over the past year, along with new market entrants, has created an uncertain and disruptive landscape. The sector, still recovering from the impact of the pandemic on print volumes, recognises the need for change State of the industry 2025 RESEARCH
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