The printing industry has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past several years, and technological changes will continue to impact the world of graphic communications as time goes on. In today’s environment, disruptive technologies require new expertise, approaches, and processes.

Last week, KPMG published a Forbes Insights report entitled Setting the Course for Growth: CEO Perspectives. This report is based on a survey of 400 chief executives in the United States. Many key industries are represented, including financial services, automotive, manufacturing, technology, consumer markets, healthcare, and energy. 174 CEOs came from public companies and 226 came from private companies. Forbes Insights also conducted in-depth interviews with several chief executives to build context for the report.

Some of the graphic communications executives that I speak with seem to think that the printing industry is different than other market segments. In reality, the challenges are the same regardless of market segment. The Forbes Insights report provides a direct reflection of how all owners and executives—including those in the graphic communications industry—should be thinking about their businesses. The key findings from the study are outlined below, and the takeaways from these findings are italicized.