Hangzhou publishing forum hails global ties

Some of the world's biggest names in academic publishing called for deeper global ties at the 5th Forum of International Cooperation on Scholarly Publishing on April 25.

The forum, which was held in Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, saw China's publishing industry is ready to continue with its global strategy.

The forum was set to discuss the "International Communications and Management of Scholarly Publishing", as well as the export of China's academics.

About 300 guests from over 70 publishing houses, government departments, and renowned universities attended the event, with some having traveled from overseas.

International communication and management

John Richard Schrock, professor at Emporia State University, Kansas, shared his ideas on recent progress and trends in scientific research. His report sheds light on the impact of digital publishing and some unique problems faced by Chinese authors and publishers.

Andrew Stammer, director of CSIRO Publishing, a science publisher with editorial independence within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), introduced the present and future of CSIRO and its 44 years of collaboration with China.

Views from the Chinese publishing world

Zhang Zehui, deputy director of the Import Administration Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, proposed four requirements for Chinese publishers, including deepening mutual-trust with different cultures, seeking partnerships in the service sector, improving copyright trade and approval efficiency, and facilitating academic exchanges.

Yu Huixun, director of the international development department at Phoenix Publishing and Media Group, introduced the status, challenges, advantages, and strategies of her company.

Chen Liang, deputy-general manager and deputy editor-in-chief of China Science Publishing and Media Ltd, shared the company's experience in promoting the internationalization of China's academic publishing.

Tu Shuming, chairman of China Water and Power Press, introduced the organization's expertise in water and power publishing and commitment to international business, covering joint publishing, book sales, and opening overseas distribution branches.

Luo Weidong, vice-president of Zhejiang University, made a speech on empowering technological innovation within academic publishing and increasing the influence of China's academic press.

University presses on going global

Lu Dongming, president of Zhejiang University Press, elaborated on the important role of publication services in both research assistance and open-access knowledge platforms.

Publication services have significantly expanded in recent years, with assistance available even before an author has reached the research stage, said Lu in an interview with chinadaily.com.cn.

President Lu highlighted the goals and responsibilities of Chinese publishers, the "going out" strategy of ZJUP, and made a number of suggestions on promoting the development of China's academic publishing sector.

He called on the draft of internationally compatible scholarly publishing standards, the foundation of industry alliances and the integration of production (publication), study and research.

On April 26, over 50 delegates from some 40 publishing houses take part in a panel discussion hosted by the Publishers Association of China in Zhejiang University.

Reflecting on the problems in overseas publishing, the delegates concluded seven suggestions, including forging industry alliances, consulting government bureaus, seeking a greater voice in international agreements, upgrading English writing resources, exploring different business models, promoting digital publishing, and doubling down on professional training.

The event was sponsored by the Scholarly Publishing Work Committee of the Publisher's Association of China and Zhejiang University. It was organized by Zhejiang University Press (ZJUP), one of the nation's leading publishers with over 1,000 new titles every year.

ZJUP has gone from strength to strength, exporting books on a wide range of subjects in more than 18 languages, including a special series related to the Belt and Road Initiative. Their titles cover disciplines including archaeology, the arts, religion and the legal systems of the countries along the Belt and Road.