Some parts of this content are currently available in German only.
Foto zeigt einen Mann, der ein Tablet bedient.

Servitization and Product-Service Systems Solutions for active value creation

Our research explores the transformative potential of servitization and product-service systems (PSS) in meeting the complex demands of today’s industry, emphasising sustainability, adaptability, and value co-creation. Servitization involves a fundamental shift in business models from product ownership to service-centric solutions. We examine how this transition allows products to evolve from static assets into dynamic service-based offerings, revealing new pathways to resilience and enduring value.

Research Focuses

  • Value Co-creation along the Lifecycle
  • The Role of Digital Twins in Decision-Making and Lifecycle Management
  • Smart Service and Business Model Innovation
  • Service Operations Management and Service Delivery
  • Value Capture in Service Systems
  • Sustainability, Circular Economy and Product-Service Systems
  • Technology Commercialisation through Business Model Innovation

Our research thrives through active collaboration with a global network of leading institutions and industry innovators. As members of the ASAP Advisory Board, Aston Business School’s Advanced Service Advisory Board, and IFIP Working Group 5.7 (WG5.7) on Advances in Production Management Systems, as well as ambassadors to the International Society of Service Innovation Professionals (ISSIP), we align with top organizations shaping the future of service innovation and operational management. These collaborations enhance our research impact, fostering the development of sustainable, adaptable service models that drive innovation across industries. We are always open to new collaborations that further our mission to create meaningful and lasting service and production management improvements.

Employees

Value Co-creation along the Lifecycle

Our approach to value creation is dynamic, viewing value as an evolving outcome shaped by collaboration across the entire product lifecycle. 

more

We examine how continuous interactions among designers, engineers, customers, and service providers enable the co-creation of value from initial design through to operation, maintenance, and ‘end of life’ (a phase that often allows new opportunities for value co-creation).This perspective reveals new opportunities for sustainable service offerings that adapt as systems mature. Our research illustrates how data-driven insights foster this adaptive lifecycle perspective.

The Role of Digital Twins in Decision-Making and Lifecycle Management

Digital twins are essential to our research, transforming static digital representations of assets into dynamic, data-driven models that enhance decision-making across the lifecycle. 

more

Digital twins evolve from simple models to predictive tools that improve operational efficiency and process optimisation. By integrating real-time data, digital twins shift decision-making from reactive to predictive, empowering industries to address challenges proactively.

Smart Service and Business Model Innovation

Smart services integrate digital and data-enabled solutions into traditional service models, creating predictive, adaptive, and customer-centric services. 

more

Leveraging IoT data and advanced analytics, smart services enhance customer interactions, enabling real-time response and fostering engagement through dynamic insights. We explore how smart services drive proactive service offerings and to improve service reliability.

Service Operations Management and Service Delivery

Our work in Service Operations Management and Service Delivery explores how digital frameworks can enhance the efficiency and reliability of service delivery processes. 

more

By analysing operations data and identifying key performance metrics, we work to optimise service outcomes and ensure consistent quality.

Value Capture in Service Systems

A key aspect of servitization is value capture, ensuring businesses retain the value generated through service delivery. 

more

We investigate value capture mechanisms within PSS, focusing on contract design, pricing models, and customer engagement strategies to support profitability and long-term value.

Sustainability, Circular Economy and Product-Service Systems

Our research addresses global sustainability challenges by focusing on systems that adapt over time and align with circular economy principles. 

more

Integrating real-time feedback and digital innovation, we explore methods to minimise environmental impact and optimise resource efficiency, supporting resilient, sustainable systems. Within this area, we consider the lifecycles of equipment and how to repair, recycle, and reuse the equipment (or components) to minimise the environmental impact while improving the value co-creation opportunities. Our research is focused partially on long-life equipment.

Technology Commercialisation through Business Model Innovation

Our research in technology commercialisation through business model innovation focuses on transforming emerging technologies into scalable, customer-centric business solutions.

more

By leveraging servitization, companies can shift from traditional product-based offerings to comprehensive service-based models, unlocking new revenue streams and enhancing customer engagement. This approach enables technology adaptation and seamless integration into business models centred on continuous customer value and operational efficiency. Our work highlights critical aspects of commercialising technology through business model innovation, including strategic alignment, market adaptation, and overcoming implementation barriers.