This report, commissioned by the UK Publishers Association, provides an overarching view of the contribution of the book and academic journal publishing industry to the UK economy. It considers both the direct contribution of the industry in terms of various economic metrics such as gross value added, employment and productivity; and the indirect contribution of the industry through ties to adjacent sectors which rely on publishing, either upstream or downstream.

The report draws on a range of external sources, as well as on a series of stakeholder interviews with industry experts. We extend our thanks to all those who participated in those interviews. The report defines publishing as books (including educational and consumer books) and academic journals. The Publishers Association represents book and journal publishers in the UK.