The 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo (CDPE), taking place from 20 to 23 September in Hainan Province in south China, is a significant event aimed at showcasing the advancements and future of digital publishing. This year's expo has attracted a diverse range of participants, including publishers, technology providers, and industry experts from around the world. The event serves as a platform for discussing the evolving landscape of digital publishing, exploring international cooperation, and promoting Chinese culture globally. 

Around 500 companies, both domestic and international, are showcasing their latest innovations in digital content creation, new technologies, and emerging publishing models. Ao Ran, executive vice president and secretary general of the China Audiovisual and Digital Publishing Association (CADPA), in his address to one of the forums, emphasised the importance of digital publishing in today’s globalised economy. He stated, “The construction of an international communication system cannot be separated from the improvement of international communication capacity, the enhancement of discourse power in international communications, and the cooperation and expansion of international communication channels.” He indicated that digital publishing industry should join hands and establish an international information dissemination system in order to foster collaboration among global stakeholders in digital content creation. 

Highlighting the transformative impact of emerging technologies on the publishing sector, Wei Yushan, president of the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, remarked, “digitalisation has promoted the internationalisation of the publishing industry, and has facilitated international cooperation in the fields of knowledge, culture, information, technology, and so on. Digital publishing is a kind of publishing form that is deeply integrated with digital technology, network technology and artificial intelligence technology. Its industrial chain is very long, including both content creativity, technology research and development, as well as cultural consumption, and has a strong impact on culture, science and technology, publishing and other industries.” He said that this has made digital publishing an important means to reshape the global economic landscape.  

The CDPE also features various forums and discussions aimed at addressing critical issues in digital publishing. In the forum on international cooperation in digital publishing, representatives from domestic and foreign publishing institutions discussed key topics such as product research and development, channel expansion, and copyright operations in the digital realm. Li Hong, deputy secretary general of CADPA, moderated discussions on how publishers can adapt to the rapid changes in consumer behaviour driven by digital technologies. 

A significant highlight of this year's expo is the emphasis on cross-border collaboration. As global markets become increasingly interconnected, speakers stressed the need for publishers to explore international partnerships. Fabrice Piot, an independent publishing consultant, posed a critical question during his keynote speech: "How can the publishing industry go digital without losing its soul?" His remarks sparked discussions about balancing innovation with traditional values in publishing. 

Innovative technologies 

In addition to discussions on international cooperation, the expo showcased the innovative technologies that are transforming the digital publishing landscape. For instance, exhibitors presented cloud-based solutions that enhance content delivery and accessibility. The integration of virtual reality and augmented reality into publishing practices was also a focal point. These technologies not only enrich user experiences but also offer new avenues for storytelling and engagement.  

Another important aspect discussed at the CDPE was the rise of audiobooks and their growing popularity worldwide. Chen Dan, vice president of the Beijing Institute of Printing, noted that audiobooks have become one of the fastest-growing forms in today's book industry. “The global market size of audiobooks from 2019 to 2023 has grown at a rate above 24 percent. It has reached $6.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $18.6 billion by 2028.” 

The potential for audiobooks to penetrate international markets was a recurring theme throughout various sessions.  

The expo also featured case studies highlighting successful examples of Chinese content reaching global audiences. Wang Ruiting, vice president of public affairs at ReadWrite Group, shared insights on how diversified original ecology in online literature can enhance China's cultural presence abroad. He emphasised that the goal is to promote Chinese stories globally through comprehensive copyright operations.  

As part of its commitment to fostering innovation, the CDPE hosted round-table dialogues involving leaders from various sectors within publishing. Participants discussed strategies for cultivating international communication talents essential for navigating the complexities of global markets. The consensus was clear: effective communication and collaboration are vital for enhancing competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. 

The event also served as a platform for showcasing emerging trends in e-commerce related to digital publishing. With cross-border e-commerce gaining momentum, exhibitors demonstrated how cloud mobile technology facilitates seamless transactions across borders. The integration of advanced analytics tools allows publishers to better understand consumer preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly.