The Importance of R&D in Print: Why Innovation Is Essential
Research and development (R&D) in printing is the process of continuously improving products, services, workflows, and technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Print shops that invest in R&D are more likely to lead change, while those that don’t often find themselves reacting too late.
Today, R&D matters more than ever. Advances in digital technology, automation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping how businesses communicate, how print is produced, and what customers expect from their print partners. Waiting to adapt is no longer a safe strategy.
The most successful print shops are not chasing change, they’re preparing for it.
What Does R&D in Print Mean?
R&D in print does not mean inventing groundbreaking technology or running expensive experiments. In practical terms, R&D is about:
- Improving production efficiency
- Reducing waste and rework
- Enhancing customer experience
- Developing new products or services
- Optimizing workflows and systems
At its core, R&D is structured problem-solving. It’s the discipline of asking, “How can we do this better?” and then testing the answer.
How the Print Industry Got Here
Not long ago, printing was a photomechanical process. Producing a single color page required specialized skills, expensive equipment, and slow, labor-intensive workflows. Today, full-color pages and entire campaigns can be produced quickly, accurately, and at a fraction of the cost.
In some ways, this transformation took decades. In others, it feels like it happened overnight.
And the pace of change is accelerating.
The Forces Accelerating R&D in Print
Several major forces are driving rapid evolution in the print industry:
- The internet and digital communication
- Dramatically faster computing power
- Lower storage and data costs
- Automation and workflow software
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI, in particular, is still in the early stages of adoption in print, but its impact is already becoming clear. From predictive maintenance and quality control to personalization and workflow optimization, AI has the potential to reshape print operations as profoundly as the internet once did.
Why R&D in Print Matters More Than Ever
Many print shops are already short-staffed and focused on meeting daily production demands. That makes R&D feel like a luxury but in reality, it’s a necessity.
Print shops that intentionally invest even a small amount of time into R&D are better positioned to:
- Adapt to new technologies
- Identify new revenue opportunities
- Reduce operational friction
- Improve margins
- Strengthen client relationships
R&D doesn’t require massive budgets or risky bets. It requires consistent, focused effort.
Every Print Shop Needs a Research Champion
One of the simplest ways to start investing in R&D is to assign ownership.
A research champion doesn’t need to be a scientist or engineer. They need to be someone who:
- Notices inefficiencies
- Asks “why” and “what if”
- Looks for better ways to solve problems
- Is curious about new tools, materials, or workflows
Giving one person permission to spend a few hours a week exploring improvements can unlock long-term gains across the entire operation.
A Real-World Example of R&D in Print
Consider this example.
Traditional plastic Signacades have become expensive. In response, some print shops began offering foldable Coroplast A-frames as an alternative. These options are lightweight, cost-effective, easy to ship, and solve a real customer problem.
No lab. No white paper. No massive investment.
Just a creative team member recognizing friction, applying existing materials in a new way, and delivering a better solution.
That’s R&D in action.
What R&D in Print Actually Looks Like
R&D doesn’t always mean AI though it can. More often, it looks like identifying and eliminating friction such as:
- High material or labor costs
- Slow turnaround times
- Complex file preparation
- Waste, reprints, and errors
- Inefficient handoffs between departments
This can lead to improvements like:
- Streamlined prepress standards
- New product offerings
- Better automation
- Smarter pricing or bundling
- Improved training and documentation
Progress compounds over time.
How to Start R&D in Print Without Disrupting Operations
You don’t need to overhaul your business to start.
Begin by:
- Allocating a few hours per week to experimentation
- Encouraging small tests and prototypes
- Measuring results and documenting lessons learned
- Sharing improvements across the team
That time will not be wasted. In many cases, it becomes one of the strongest competitive advantages a print shop can build.
Conclusion: R&D Is a Competitive Advantage, Not a Cost
R&D in print is not about predicting the future, it’s about preparing for it.
Print shops that invest intentionally in research and development are better equipped to adapt, innovate, and lead. They create smarter solutions, stronger customer relationships, and more resilient businesses.
The real question is no longer if R&D matters but how intentionally you’re approaching it today.
FAQ: R&D in the Print Industry
What is R&D in printing?
R&D in printing refers to improving products, services, workflows, and technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.
Why is R&D important for print shops?
R&D helps print shops adapt to industry changes, adopt new technologies, improve operations, and create new revenue opportunities.
Does R&D in print require large budgets?
No. Effective R&D can start with small, consistent efforts focused on problem-solving and process improvement.
How does AI relate to R&D in printing?
AI is one area of R&D that supports automation, quality control, personalization, and predictive maintenance in modern print operations.
To learn more, check out our other blogs.