The Publishers Association Congress Takes on AI and More

The first day of this year’s **35th International Publishers Association Congress** is already painting a picture of a week that will be dominated by the intersection of human collaboration, the courage to experiment, and the role of AI in shaping the publishing industry.

The event, held in Kyiv, Ukraine, brought together some of the biggest names in global publishing, from CEOs of major imprints to authors and innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Keynote speaker **Andrei Degtiar**, CEO of Ukrainian publisher Knyga.com, emphasized the importance of human connection in a world where digital tools are increasingly prevalent.

Human-Centered Publishing in the Age of AI

One of the key challenges facing publishers today is finding a balance between using AI to enhance the content creation and distribution process, while maintaining a human touch that readers and authors crave. **Andrei Degtiar** highlighted the need for publishers to be brave in their experimentation with AI, acknowledging that this will involve some failures as well as successes.

Other speakers at the Congress echoed this sentiment, arguing that publishers need to be willing to take risks and try new things if they’re to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. This is particularly true when it comes to AI, where the possibilities are vast but the potential pitfalls are equally substantial.

AI’s Role in the Publishing Industry

So what does this mean for publishers and authors? In short, it means that they’ll need to be adaptable and open to new ideas if they’re to thrive in the coming years. AI won’t replace human creativity or judgment, but it will undoubtedly change the way content is created, distributed, and consumed.

For authors, this could mean new opportunities to reach wider audiences and engage with readers in new and innovative ways. For publishers, it will require a willingness to invest in new tools and technologies, while also maintaining a deep understanding of what readers need and want.