The Center’s research activities are dedicated to four priority areas: 1) Industry Definition and Strategic Analysis – investigating the competitive dynamics and boundaries of the various industries associated with printing; 2) Processes, Productivity, and Profitability – investigating the role of new technologies and business practices on the long-term health and prognosis for the industry; 3) Cross-media Migration and Integration – investigating the evolution of digital media and its competitive/ complementary relationship with print; and 4) Digital Color Printing – investigating emerging markets and economic factors influencing the adoption of digital color printing technologies.

   Companies and associations that sponsor Center activities include Adobe; Baldwin Technology Company, Inc.; Creoscitex; RR. Donnelly & Sons Company; Heidelberg; IBM Printing Systems, a division of IBM Corporation; Imation Corporation; Indigo America, Inc.; MAN Roland Inc.; NexPress Solutions, a joint venture between Eastman Kodak Company and Heidelberg Digital; NPES, the Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing, and Converting Technologies; VIGC; MeadWestvaco; Weyerhaeuser; Xeikon; and Xerox. These sponsors are active participants in Center research and programs. They help establish the research agenda, advise on projects, attend conferences and seminars, and hold membership on the Industry Advisory Board.

   Firms within the industry contribute significant resources to Center studies, providing Center researchers with vital access to their data and expertise through on-site collaboration and visits. The Center plays a major role in providing high-quality training and education programs to the printing industry. Education opportunities include corporate employees who may undertake graduate work at the Center, industry education modules provided in the classroom/laboratory or available on-line, and high-quality, on-line distance certification training and degree programs. Additionally, the Center disseminates knowledge regarding industry issues and strategies through seminars at leading industry trade shows, and through the publication of monographs, articles, and research findings. Along with faculty resources, a major asset of the Center is its 50,000 square foot laboratory complex housing state-of-the-art equipment reflecting the most advanced industry practices.