- 38% of respondents to the WhatTheyThink Business Outlook survey said that 2017 revenues increased by six percent or more compared to 2016; 33% reported that the number of jobs increased six percent or more from 2016.
- In terms of revenues, the strongest businesses are either very small or very large shops, with the mid-size shops experiencing little revenue growth, especially when you adjust for inflation. As for profitability, smaller shops fared better than larger establishments.
- "Pricing" is now reported by print business owners as their number one challenge, affirmed with the latest Producer Price Index data for printing from the Commerce Department.
- Few print businesses have any substantial planned investments for 2018, but of those who do, binding and finishing equipment top the list.
- Two-thirds of print businesses said they plan to hire staff in 2018, primarily graphic designers, marketing/communications specialists, and prepress operators.

The executive report was prepared by Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano and looks back at 2017 and ahead to what the industry can expect, economically and technologically, in 2018. The centerpiece of the report is a detailed analysis of the results of the WhatTheyThink Economics & Research Center Printing Industry Survey conducted in Fall 2017. Data obtained in this survey of more than 300 industry executives include current and expected business conditions, top business challenges, top business opportunities, and planned investments for 2018. Additional questions asked about shops' interest in taking advantage of new specialty graphics areas such as print and/or digital signage, textile printing, packaging, 3D printing, and more, as well as shops' hiring plans for the next 12 months.

The report also offers the latest government data on printing industry shipments, establishments, profits, and employment, as well as the economy in general. Dr. Webb offers his annual macroeconomic and industry forecasts to 2022, and Mr. Romano looks at the technology and cultural trends the industry should prepare itself for in 2018, such as specialty printing, the perilous retail sector, textiles, the Internet of Things, and more,