Business models in publishing industry : a comparative analysis between Romania and the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The book market in Romania and the Republic of Moldova is quite small and in an infant stage compared to the international market (especially when contrasted with mature markets such as Western Europe and the US). In the last decades, however, with the collapse of the communist era, more entrepreneurial initiatives emerged in these markets, growing slowly but steadily. This study focuses on the publishing industry and the successful business models in these countries. Two independent publishing houses, Nemira (from Romania) and ARC (from the Republic of Moldova) are analyzed through the business models canvas strategic management template. The key findings are further discussed to assess the competitive advantages, strategies, and key success factors of the business models used by these already well-established publishing houses. Combining the editorial part with the commercial side, having a well-thought marketing strategy and online presence, as well as strategic partnerships with cultural institutions and economic agents are significant aspects when it comes to the success of an editorial business. Each of the two studied publishing houses is adapted to their environment and deeply understands the market they operate in. As nowadays value is placed on customer experience more than ever, actors in the publishing industry are put in the position to understand their targeted audience and create suitable strategies for the needs they intend to fulfill. The analysis presented in this paper aims to assess what business models differentiate actors in the publishing field in Romania and the Republic of Moldova from the competition and how extra value could be added to this industry.