Research by the Rochester Institute of Technology suggests that the decline of print at the hands of the Internet and other media is greatly overstated.


"Print is a vibrant media with a future," said emeritus professor Frank Romano.


Print as a whole is set to continue to grow for the next 20 years before levelling off. The research suggests that, following a decline in the second half of the century, the market in 100 years' time will be about the same as today's volume.


Romano believes there will be winners and losers, however. Packaging, the second largest print sector will remain core as "you can't deliver products over the Internet". Advertising, such as leaflets, brochures and fliers, will also survive.


Digital print is set to grow from its 24% share to nearly 60% by 2020. This will be pushed by the demand for faster turnaround. Currently 8% of print is delivered the same day, a figure that will grow to 30% by 2030.


Ink-jet will become the digital process of choice. "We haven't seen the impact of ink-jet yet," he said. "The next Drupa will be called the ink-jet show. It's the only process that can keep up with conventional presses."


Story by Barney Cox