Skills acquisition for publishers in the sir: demands, plans and prospects

Abstract

Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) ushers in a human-centred technological paradigm with artificial intelligence (Al) and emerging technologies combined with human imagination, ethics and individualisation. This study examines the significance of 5IR to the publishing industry in terms of the skill needs, preparedness, strategic action and possibilities emerging for publishers. Thematic analysis of fifteen peer-reviewed articles was conducted using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework to address five critical research questions. The findings reveal that the most critical skills for publishers in 5IR are digital literacy, data analytics- flexibility, emotional intelligence and knowledge of Al uses. Whilst others are entering digital-human collaborative environments via modular systems an: shared infrastructures, the majority are ill-prepared due to infrastructural attitudinal and strategic deficits. New models of professional development like individualised learning routes and networked experiences, are also identified as the key to equipping publishers with 5IR-relevant skills. All the same, barriers like resistance to change, decreasing access to training an: legacy CPD routines persist. Despite such challenges, conversion e: publishing practices based on 5IR principles is of significant benefit including efficiency of operations, tailored provision of content, global access and sustainability of the industry in the long term. The article concludes by recommending interventions at the policy level, training, infrastructure an: innovation to facilitate publishers to convert to the demands of the 5IR age These findings are critical not just to the professional growth of publishers but also to the applicability of the publishing industry within a more digitalised and human-centric knowledge economy.