“According to Darwin’s Origin of Species, it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” – Megginson (1963)

After two remarkable editions, BOOK 2.0 returns for its third edition, establishing itself as a space for reflection and innovation on the future of books and literacy. This year, hosted at the Champalimaud Foundation, an emblem of scientific and technological excellence, highlighting the intersection between knowledge and innovation. We will debate how artificial intelligence, the democratization of knowledge, sustainability, and the reinvention of literary spaces are transforming our relationship with books, inspiring innovative solutions and policies for the future of the sector and contributing to a more informed society that is better prepared to face today’s challenges.

In a constantly changing world, the book remains an essential pillar of knowledge and culture. In this edition, we reflect on how the evolution of the book accompanies the history of humanity, mirroring cultural, technological, and environmental changes. The way we create, access, and share reading is rapidly changing. With the growing impact of artificial intelligence and sustainability in the publishing sector, it becomes urgent to rethink the future of publishing and reading.

From technological advancement to environmental responsibility, including copyright, distribution chains, and reading spaces, we look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of publishing. How can we ensure the value of the book in a digital context? What impact will AI have on the creation and circulation of content? How can we rethink publishing practices considering sustainability? And what strategies can protect linguistic diversity in the face of market homogenization?

This edition invites us to reflect on the role of the book in contemporary society, as a vehicle of knowledge and transformation.

Literacy remains one of the most powerful tools for building a more conscious, inclusive, and resilient society. Through reading, we develop critical thinking, fuel curiosity, and create new ways of interpreting the world around us. In this edition, we reflect on the transformative impact of reading, from the ancestral role of storytelling in shaping human identity to the importance of nurturing reading habits in a world dominated by digital acceleration. We discuss how technology can expand access to knowledge, analyze the emergence of new formats, and explore the role of online communities in promoting young adult literature.

How does the act of storytelling help us face today’s challenges? How can we foster reading habits in a world of constant stimuli? How can technology support the growth of new readers? What role do social media and digital communities play in promoting reading? What strategies can enhance the value of Portuguese-language literature and ensure its presence in a globalized market? What collective mission do we want to pass on to future generations?