Overview Not all APC markets are created equal. Two journals may charge similar article processing fees yet generate very different levels of revenue. Even closely related disciplines can behave in surprisingly different ways. This month's analysis explores why averages only tell part of the story. Background Our annual APC analysis showed average prices continuing to rise. But averages can hide important differences. Do some disciplines consistently pay more? How much variation exists within a field? And what does that tell us about the underlying market? Average APCs and Value by Subject We can examine the nuances of prices, as shown in the following charts.

eLearning has been evolving for some time and, like many things, this evolution is being accelerated by AI. As static courses and content repositories shift rapidly into intelligent, personalized learning experiences that target learner needs, integrate into workflows, and deliver measurable outcomes, publishers are determining how to adapt. This evolution represents a significant opportunity for content creators. Organizations possess the trusted content, subject matter expertise, and audience relationships needed to power next-generation learning experiences . The challenge is transforming existing assets into scalable, AI-enabled learning businesses. Evolving Learner Expectations Today’s learners increasingly expect experiences that are dynamic, searchable, interactive, and available within the flow of their work. AI accelerates capabilities for personalization, adaptive learning pathways, assessment, and credentialing. At the same time, publishers and associations face growing pressure to diversify revenue streams, strengthen audience engagement, and demonstrate ongoing value to professional and academic communities . Many organizations possess valuable assets across journals, books, certification programs, conferences, guidelines, and more. However, those assets often remain siloed within discreet platforms, products, and teams. The opportunity is clear. Breaking down those silos once and for all to develop products and services based on user need rather than organizational structure is required to take advantage of the current opportunities. From Static Content to Intelligent Learning AI enables publishers to offer existing content in entirely new ways. Trusted content can now support personalized learning pathways, microlearning modules, conversational interfaces, AI-assisted assessments, real-time recommendations, and skills-based credentialing experiences, creating the opportunity for publishers to increasingly support measurable learning outcomes. Nearly every publisher or professional society owns content and expertise that supports education and learning. Clinical journals, technical references, standards, conference content, guidelines, and scholarly books all provide foundations for AI-enabled learning experiences. Users also increasingly expect seamless, consumer-grade experiences that are mobile, personalized, and data-rich. The instructional value, enabled by the proper technologies enhances skill development and mastery, underpins credential attainment, and supports career advancement. Why Publishers and Societies Are Well Positioned As generative AI expands, trusted content is still the coin of the realm. AI-enabled learning systems require authoritative, domain-specific content to produce reliable, high-quality experiences. Publishers and societies already possess what many technology providers lack: curated expertise, editorial rigor, professional credibility, and established audience trust. This creates a meaningful strategic advantage. Organizations that successfully integrate AI-enabled learning into their portfolios can deepen audience engagement, establish stronger relationships earlier in professional careers, and expand long-term customer and member value . Subscription learning models, certification ecosystems, and continuing education programs can also create more durable and recurring revenue streams. The Strategy and Technology Gap The opportunity to leverage AI in eLearning is significant if your organization is operationally prepared to execute against it. Content may exist across siloed systems. Metadata may not be structured to support adaptive delivery or credentialing. Legacy platforms may lack interoperability, analytics frameworks, personalization capabilities, or scalable AI integration. And then there is the strategy. Organizations must answer broader strategic questions such as: How do we create learning experiences that align with evolving learner expectations and workflows? Which content assets are best positioned for transformation? What business models support sustainable growth? Should capabilities be built, partnered, or acquired? How should AI and eLearning integrate with and support existing publishing and product strategies? Successfully addressing these questions requires strategic alignment and the adoption of fit-for-purpose enabling technology infrastructure. This is where Delta Think, now with the technology power of Impelsys, provides a differentiated and powerful approach. Delta Think has been successfully working with publishers, societies, and information providers to define AI-enabled eLearning strategies aligned to audience needs, market opportunities, monetization models, and long-term goals. Together with Impelsys, we can now go further and provide the technology assessment and foundation needed to operationalize strategy through AI-enabled content delivery, personalization, analytics, interoperability, credentialing workflows, and scalable digital learning platforms. Looking Ahead AI has already begun to redefine what learners expect and what eLearning can deliver. Publishers and societies that move now have an opportunity to transform trusted content into scalable, intelligent learning experiences that deepen engagement, expand revenue opportunities, and strengthen long-term relevance. However, success requires aligning strategy, content, technology, and business models to create sustainable learning ecosystems. Delta Think helps organizations bridge strategy and execution, combining market insight and business planning with the technology infrastructure needed to build and scale next-generation eLearning solutions. Ready to get the conversation started? Reach out today .