Risk | Mitigation |
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Economy and market conditions
Demand for our products and services may be impacted by factors beyond our control such as the economic environment
in the US and other major economies, and government funding. |
Our businesses are focused on professional markets which have generally been more resilient in periods of economic downturn. We deliver information solutions, many on a subscription basis, which are important to our customers’ effectiveness and efficiency. |
Customer acceptance of products
Reed Elsevier’s businesses are dependent on the continued acceptance by our customers of our products and services
and the value placed on them. |
We are focused on the needs and economics of our customers and seek to provide content and innovative solutions that help them achieve better outcomes and enhance productivity. |
Competition
Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets. These markets continue to change in response to technological innovations, changing legislation, regulatory changes, the entrance of new competitors and other factors. |
To remain competitive we continuously invest significant resources in our products and services, and the infrastructure to support them. We gain insights into our markets, evolving customers’ needs and opportunities, the potential application of new technologies and business models, and the actions of competitors, and these insights inform our market strategies and operational priorities. |
Technology failure
Reed Elsevier’s businesses are increasingly dependent on electronic platforms and networks, primarily the internet, for delivery of products and services. Our businesses could be adversely affected if their electronic delivery platforms and networks experience a significant failure, interruption, or security breach. |
We have established procedures for the protection of our technology assets. These include the development of business continuity plans, including IT disaster recovery plans and back-up delivery systems, to reduce business disruption in the event of a major technology failure. |
Data security
Our businesses maintain databases and information online, including personal information, and could be adversely affected if these experience a breach in security or if we fail to comply with applicable legislation or regulatory or contractual requirements governing such databases and information. |
We have established data privacy and security programmes. We test and re-evaluate our procedures and controls with the aim of ensuring that personal data is protected and that we comply with relevant legislation, regulatory and contractual requirements. |
Intellectual property rights
Our products and services are largely comprised of intellectual property content delivered through a variety of media. We rely on trademark, copyright, patent and other intellectual property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights in these products and services. There is a risk that our proprietary rights could be challenged, limited, invalidated or circumvented. |
We actively engage in developing and promoting the legal protection of intellectual property rights. In our businesses, subscription contracts with customers contain provisions as to the use of proprietary content. We are also vigilant as to the use of our content and, as appropriate, take legal action to challenge
illegal distribution sources. |