In this blog post, we offer a deep dive into the biggest opportunities for publishers to drive revenue. With shifting economies and uncertain times ahead, revenue is top of mind for scholarly publishers. Our contributors converged around some central themes:
- AI as a Core Opportunity: Applications span content creation, licensing, user experience optimization, and operational efficiencies
- Data-Driven Personalization: Leveraging user data to create tailored experiences for readers, authors, and institutions
- Collaborative and Holistic Strategies: Emphasis on breaking silos, fostering community, and rethinking branding and content strategies
- Monetizing Existing Assets: Repurposing and licensing content to unlock new revenue streams while navigating legal and ethical challenges
- Audience-Centric Models: Shifting focus toward engaging both readers and authors through meaningful, personalized, and trusted interactions
What is the the #1 Opportunity for publishers to drive revenue in 2025?
"Leveraging AI to harvest and target information about the interactions between users and content to identify near term revenue opportunities from traditional publishing models such as author fees, reprints, sponsorships, advertising, institutional sales, career ads, etc." –Paul Gee, American Medical Association
"Licensing content for use as training data. Removing the ethics/emotions around selling publishers' journal and book content and just thinking purely about generating revenue, it's pretty clear that this is a way to increase bottom line. Ithaka's Generative AI Licensing Agreement Tracker spreadsheet makes that pretty clear." –Marianne Calilhanna, DCL
"Producing OA metrics to help with new pricing models." –Andrew Pitts, PSI
"Licensing to LLMs, which will put 100% OA publishers at a disadvantage; policy-compliant AI researcher tools (B2C and B2B) to work from research ideation, data and methods, to publication." –Anne Stone, Anne Stone Strategic Marketing Services
"Create more meaningful connections with readers and foster a deeper understanding of them. By embracing data and AI, we can better align their offerings with the evolving needs of our audience. This alignment is not just about increasing revenue; it’s about enhancing the impact of research and scholarship in society. By focusing on the reader's experience, we can foster a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for long-term success. By investing in data-driven strategies and AI innovations, they can explore new revenue streams and partnerships that extend beyond traditional channels. This approach not only secures financial growth but also reinforces their commitment to advancing knowledge and education." –Lou Peck, The International Bunch
"Utilizing AI for custom products and content compilations (think 'dynamic course pack') that speak to the precise needs of the customer and their end users." –Lauren Kane, BioOne
"A quick win? Content licensing, for AI use and other purposes like content syndication. However, court cases currently wending their way through the system may impact this potential revenue stream, such as considerations of AI falling under as fair use." –Heather Staines, Delta Think
"In recent months, publishers have become much clearer about their investments in the future. I am observing a educated approach to investment into startups and business model expansion. Academic publishers have understood that they need to get back on a growth track, and they are taking decisive action." –Sven Fund, Reviewer Credits
"AI products and licensing." –Mike Di Natale, AACR
"Delivering a seamless author journey is now a priority, focusing on cohesive experiences across journal and publisher brands. Drawing from other industries, publishers are shifting from journal-centric to publisher-centric branding to foster loyalty and rethink their products. They are also adapting content and embracing an omni-channel approach to meet authors and readers where they are." –Christian Grubak, ChronosHub
"Trust and reputation have become central to the decision making of authors. Continuing to reinforce brand at the journal and publisher level is going to be key to fostering that trust and therefore driving submissions and revenues. To do this effectively requires a deep understanding of researcher behavior together with the ability to communicate with them on an individual basis, thus fostering deeper relationships. Whilst data collection is key to the ability to do this, the addition of AI allows publishers to add meaning to that data. The ability to communicate in a relevant and personalized way is essential to drive attention. From delivering key research that they haven't yet read, or an authorship opportunity tailored to their current research interests - these are now expectations rather than desires." –Richard Bennett, Hum
"It's really difficult to say there is a #1 opportunity, frankly, as publishers come in different sizes and shapes and this is not a one size fits all solution. If I have to pick one overarching it's the ubiquitous AI - whether through Licensing partnerships, new products or services derived through the use of AI, or efficiencies gained through the proper deployment of AI. I also believe that publishers tend to have a wealth of content, expertise, and information in silos, which they could utilize more effectively in terms of new products, services, business models, etc. if they can break down the silos and think of it all as content rather than separate entitles and mini-empires." –Lori Carlin, Delta Think
"I see a number of top opportunities for publishers to drive more revenue in 2025: 1) Return to Subscription Models and Engaged Communities: Reviving subscription models and fostering engaged reader communities can create a steady revenue stream and enhance customer loyalty. 2) Leveraging Different Mediums: Expanding into podcasts, video, and social media can tap into new audiences and diversify revenue sources. 3) Utilizing AI and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning technologies can revolutionize content creation, marketing, and distribution. These tools can generate high-quality content, optimize marketing campaigns, and provide data-driven insights into reader preferences, helping publishers streamline operations and reduce costs." –Josh Dahl, Silverchair
Read the full 2025 Publishing Tech Trends Report here, and subscribe to our newsletter for more insights.