World cities and new technologies: shaping the future of Publishing.

Emerging technologies are transforming the publishing industry’s value chain and production geography, with world cities serving as engines of innovation. Digital platforms, AI, and advanced communication tools are revolutionizing workflows, enabling efficiency, decentralization, and accessibility, empowering independent creators to bypass traditional intermediaries, decentralizing publishing and enabling global reach. World cities remain fundamental hubs, concentrating talent, publishers, and digital infrastructure. They attract skilled professionals, promote hybrid workflows, and curate global cultural narratives. These urban centres unite local creativity with global perspectives, promoting collaboration and driving technological advancements that shape the industry. Their role in incubating innovation ensures their continued dominance in the digital age. At the same time, decentralized tools democratize access, allowing smaller publishers and creators in peripheral regions to challenge urban hubs, increasing inclusivity and diversifying content. Balancing world cities’ innovative power with these decentralized tools can create a globally connected, adaptive value chain.