Some 55% of survey respondents indicated that a digital pure play represents a successful future for print, while 20% predict that combining both screen and digital platforms will be key to success.

In comparison, a fifth of respondents said they expect to succeed by offering both wide- and narrow-format print services, and only 4.5% foresee a positive future in purely screen printing.

Fespa corporate communications director Marcus Timson told printweek.com that the percentage of respondents putting their faith in digital was "a fair statistic".

He added that within the industry, "there is a constant pressure on printers to deliver work quickly and digital can provide this.

"There's a myriad of different audiences and digital kit helps you offer that flexibility," he added.

More than half (57%) of respondents indicated that they plan to invest in a new wide format printer in the coming 12 months, while 26% remain unsure and 17% said they were not planning to take the plunge.

Of those due to make their foray into wide-format, UV-curable inkjet printers were the most popular with 43% of the vote. This was followed by solvent inkjet with 25% and eco-solvent inkjet getting just 15% of the nod.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of the 400 respondents regularly produce banners, with 58% producing posters and 55% regularly rolling out signs.

Of those surveyed, users see the greatest potential in textiles, point of purchase (POP) materials, vehicle graphics and banners.

Timson added that printers which broaden their offering will help them succeed in the marketplace.

"[Printers] need to think of themselves as more of a creative agency that helps others rather than just a company that prints," he said.

He added: "Print can engender a feeling. Digital is growing but screen will also always have a place until it can be matched".

The results of the Wide Survey were based on feedback from 400 respondents in 66 countries with on average, each company employing around 45 employees.