The executive report looks back at 2022 as well as ahead to what the industry can expect, economically and technologically, in 2023 as the economy at large and the industry in particular contend with the new challenges that have emerged post-pandemic, such as consumables and supplies availability and employee scarcity, the pre-existing trends that had been amplified by the pandemic, and the new trends have emerged. How will they play out in 2023 and beyond?

The report features the results of the WhatTheyThink Printing Industry Business Outlook Survey conducted in Fall/Winter 2022, and includes current and expected business conditions, top business challenges, top business opportunities, and planned investments for 2023. Additional questions asked about the print businesses; experiences during the supplies and consumables “supply chain” crisis of 2022, and industry event attendance plans, as well as hiring plans for the next 12 months, what positions are being sought, and how they are searching for employees.

The report also offers the latest government data on printing industry shipments, establishments, profits, and employment. This year, we have expanded the segments for which we provide demographic data, including signage and display and packaging and converting businesses. The report also includes macroeconomic data, to look at how the overall economy might impact print businesses in 2023, and includes an industry forecast to 2032, as well as technology and cultural trends the industry should prepare itself for in 2023.