
Last October 29, several Valencian counties experienced an episode of DANA of devastating intensity, with floods that affected 563 km² and caused significant human and economic losses.
Among the most hit sectors, the publishing industry stands out, which is facing serious material and structural damage. More than twenty publishing houses, the warehouse of the main book distributor and eleven bookstores have suffered the direct consequences of the catastrophe, putting at risk not only the economic activity of the sector, but also its role as a cultural engine and instrument of cohesion social Faced with this critical situation, the Association of Publishers of the Valencian Country (AEPV) has promoted a study led by Econcult, the cultural economy research unit of the University of Valencia. This work is sponsored by CEDRO (Centro Español de Derechos Reprográficos), which reaffirms its commitment to support the publishing sector in times of difficulty. The main objective is to establish immediate and long-term strategies for the recovery and transformation of the sector. The study addresses the current situation and proposes measures that ensure the sustainability and strengthening of the publishing sector in a time horizon of five years. A team of experts at the service of culture The project has a team of renowned experts: Jordi Sanjuán Belda: principal researcher, expert in the effects of creative industries on regional well-being, with experience in European projects and specialized consultancies. Pau Rausell Köster: founder of Econcult, with a distinguished career in European research projects and strategic cultural planning. Belén Catalan Stay: specialist in social economy and public policies, with several academic publications in this field. Virgilio Pérez Giménez: expert in big data and socio-economic indicators, with experience in generating data for strategic decision-making. This team works with a comprehensive vision that combines immediate recovery with a structural transformation that allows the Valencian publishing sector to consolidate itself as a fundamental pillar of the cultural and economic ecosystem of the Valencian territory. The key role of the AEPV and CEDRO The AEPV has been a fundamental part of the initiative, mobilizing the agents of the sector and promoting the completion of this study to diagnose the effects of the DANA and draw a road map towards recovery. At the same time, CEDRO, as a sponsor, reinforces its commitment to culture and the protection of the rights of creators and publishers, supporting the sector at a time of great need. Towards a sustainable recovery The project highlights the need to overcome the structural weaknesses that were already affecting the sector before DANA, such as the fragmentation of the production chain or the economic vulnerability of many companies. The recommendations that emerge from the study include: Immediate actions: financial support to repair material damage and reactivate publishing production. Long-term strategies: creation of policies that promote sustainability, digitization and adaptation to new market challenges. Promotion of cooperation: promoting collaboration networks between publishers, distributors and bookstores to strengthen the sector as a whole. Thanks to the support of the AEPV and CEDRO, and the work of Econcult, the publishing sector of the Valencian territory is preparing to overcome the current challenges and become a key strategic agent for the cultural and economic future of the region.