A survey conducted by the Association of Online Publishers found that UK-based publishers are more focused on mobile platforms and tablet devices to help next year's digital ventures, pointing out that innovative technology is "at the heart of their business development plans over the next 12 months" and will promote "dynamic growth," a press release stated.

Ninety-one percent of the participants said they are hoping to improve revenues from mobile devices whereas 86 percent are enthusiastic about the launch of tablet computers, The Independent reported yesterday. Other opportunities publishers saw include high speed broadband connection, social networks, paid content, e-Commerce and behavioral targeting. Sixty percent considered it to be necessary to offer online content that is local, BCS mentioned.

Image: MediaGuardian

"When talking about the digital landscape, publishers have generally re-affirmed their belief in the traditional online revenue model with eight out of ten publishers agreeing that Advertising will dominate revenue generation for some time yet, despite the growth of interest and support for paid content opportunities where publishers see emerging platforms as pivotal to their growth over the next 12 months. The second most significant industry viewpoint is that quality recruitment and development of skills are amongst the biggest challenges for the digital publishing industry, which is in line with earlier findings of the Organisation Census from spring this year," said Tim Cain, head of research at AOP.

Half of the members have already developed free or paid-for apps for mobile phones while nearly 17 percent offer iPad apps. In 2010, 65 percent of publishers are aiming to multiply their mobile content. Meanwhile, app-based content is expected to grow by 91 percent. This year, 40 percent have paid apps, compared to only 12 percent in 2009, Poynter.org noted.

Half of the publishers viewed the economy as a potential threat, compared to 70 percent last year. On the other hand, rights and copyright threat has doubled to 42 percent since last year, according to the press release.

The survey has been an annual event since 2002. The organization's 1,500 members include the BBC, Condé Nast Digital, Guardian Media Group, Telegraph Media Group, Thomson Reuters and Independent Press Limited, publisher of The Independent.