Regional and National Structures in the Publishing Industry with Particular Reference to the Nordic Situation

Abstract

Despite increasing globalisation in the publishing industry, it is important to be aware of national and regional differences that are still essential to a proper understanding of the international book industry. Recent studies of trends in international publishing show that a few, big European publishers have surprisingly strong international positions. However, local and national differences still play an important role in the structuring of markets. This article focuses on how trends in international publishing regarding ownership structures, convergence dynamics and horizontal and vertical integration are connected with changes and trends in the Nordic book markets. It argues that while the international trends can be found in different Nordic book markets, they result in diverse outcomes and development at varying rates. An important factor supporting national and regional differences is the effect of different regulatory and contractual regimes in the Nordic countries. In this context, there are three aspects that will be important. The first is whether the free price regimes of Sweden, Finland and Denmark will be continued, and whether Norway will introduce a book law with fixed prices. The second issue is whether the expansion of big Nordic publishers in the region will continue. This is particularly important with regard to Danish Egmont, Swedish Bonnier and Finnish Sanoma. The third element is whether the vertical integration of the industry will be speeded up by the development of digital publishing platforms.

Key Words:

• Book industry
• concentration
• integration
• convergence
• bestsellers
• Nordic countries