ABSTRACT
This chapter argues the extent of connectivity and interactivity between businesses, their partners, suppliers and customers is best seen in terms of networks rather than chains of relationships. It illustrates the emergence of the process of firm and industry connectivity in the form of supply chains and value chains. Supply chains and value chains can be seen as providing complementary views of an extended enterprise, with integrated business processes enabling the flows of products and services in one direction, and of value as represented by demand and cash flows in the other. The publishing supply chain is comprised of independent but interconnected organizations, situated at various points along the chain, which perform certain tasks or functions for which they are remunerated in some way. The digitization of book publishing carries major implications for production, for supply chains and for distribution channels. Digital publishing ultimately has to do with the provision of market-ready digital content to customers.
