Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Service Business 2/2011

01-06-2011 | Review article

Innovation management in service firms: a research agenda

Authors: Lucia Crevani, Kristina Palm, Annika Schilling

Published in: Service Business | Issue 2/2011

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

This article suggests an agenda for further research on innovation management in service firms. It investigates differences and similarities between issues identified by previous academic research and issues brought up by practitioners within the area of innovation management in service firms. The results show that there are some major differences; for instance, researchers stress a need for formalized processes for development work, while practitioners focus on facilitating innovation in everyday operations. The main conclusion is that in order to bridge the gap between research and practice we would encourage further research on innovation in service firms to (1) conduct micro studies of innovation work, (2) view innovation in the context of everyday operations and (3) focus on co-workers’ innovative potential.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Footnotes
1
Based on information provided by the European Commission and OECD.
 
2
The excerpts have been translated from Swedish to English by the authors.
 
Literature
go back to reference Abramovici M, Bancel-Charensol L (2004) How to take customers into consideration in service innovation projects. Serv Ind J 24(1):56–78CrossRef Abramovici M, Bancel-Charensol L (2004) How to take customers into consideration in service innovation projects. Serv Ind J 24(1):56–78CrossRef
go back to reference Abreu M, Grinevich V, Kitson M, Savona M (2010) Policies to enhance the ‘hidden innovation’ in services: evidence and lessons from the UK. Serv Ind J 30(1):99–118CrossRef Abreu M, Grinevich V, Kitson M, Savona M (2010) Policies to enhance the ‘hidden innovation’ in services: evidence and lessons from the UK. Serv Ind J 30(1):99–118CrossRef
go back to reference Alam I (2006) Service innovation strategy and process: a cross-national comparative analysis. Int Market Rev 35:468–480 Alam I (2006) Service innovation strategy and process: a cross-national comparative analysis. Int Market Rev 35:468–480
go back to reference Anand N, Gardner HK, Morris T (2007) Knowledge-based innovation: emergence and embedding of new practice areas in management consulting firms. Acad Manag J 50(2):406–428CrossRef Anand N, Gardner HK, Morris T (2007) Knowledge-based innovation: emergence and embedding of new practice areas in management consulting firms. Acad Manag J 50(2):406–428CrossRef
go back to reference Avlonitis GJ, Papastathopoulou PG, Gounaris SP (2001) An empirically-based typology of product innovativeness for new financial services: success and failure scenarios. J Prod Innov Manag 18:324–342CrossRef Avlonitis GJ, Papastathopoulou PG, Gounaris SP (2001) An empirically-based typology of product innovativeness for new financial services: success and failure scenarios. J Prod Innov Manag 18:324–342CrossRef
go back to reference Berry L, Lampo SK (2000) Teaching an old service new tricks: the promise of service redesign. J Serv Res 2(3):265–275CrossRef Berry L, Lampo SK (2000) Teaching an old service new tricks: the promise of service redesign. J Serv Res 2(3):265–275CrossRef
go back to reference Bower DJ, Reid M, Barry N, Ibbotson T (2000) Aligning process and meaning: innovating in complex healthcare delivery systems. Int J Innov Manag 4(3):299–317 Bower DJ, Reid M, Barry N, Ibbotson T (2000) Aligning process and meaning: innovating in complex healthcare delivery systems. Int J Innov Manag 4(3):299–317
go back to reference Cainelli G (2011) Environmentally oriented innovative strategies and firm performance in services. Micro-evidence from Italy. Int Rev Appl Econ 25(1):61–85CrossRef Cainelli G (2011) Environmentally oriented innovative strategies and firm performance in services. Micro-evidence from Italy. Int Rev Appl Econ 25(1):61–85CrossRef
go back to reference Cainelli G, Evangelista R, Savona M (2004) The impact of innovation on economic performance in services. Serv Ind J 24(1):116–130CrossRef Cainelli G, Evangelista R, Savona M (2004) The impact of innovation on economic performance in services. Serv Ind J 24(1):116–130CrossRef
go back to reference Chan A, Go FM, Pine R (1998) Service innovation in Hong Kong: attitudes and practice. Serv Ind J 18(2):112–124CrossRef Chan A, Go FM, Pine R (1998) Service innovation in Hong Kong: attitudes and practice. Serv Ind J 18(2):112–124CrossRef
go back to reference Crevani L, Palm K, Sköld D, Engwall M (2009) Utmaningar och kunskapsbehov. Om innovation, ledning och organisering i nio olika tjänsteföretag. Vinnova Rep VR 2009:10 Crevani L, Palm K, Sköld D, Engwall M (2009) Utmaningar och kunskapsbehov. Om innovation, ledning och organisering i nio olika tjänsteföretag. Vinnova Rep VR 2009:10
go back to reference Damanpour F, Gopalakrishnan S (2001) The dynamics of the adoption of product and process innovation in organizations. J Manag Stud 38(1):45–65CrossRef Damanpour F, Gopalakrishnan S (2001) The dynamics of the adoption of product and process innovation in organizations. J Manag Stud 38(1):45–65CrossRef
go back to reference de Brentani U (2001) Innovative versus incremental new business services: different keys for achieving success. J Prod Innov Manag 18:169–187CrossRef de Brentani U (2001) Innovative versus incremental new business services: different keys for achieving success. J Prod Innov Manag 18:169–187CrossRef
go back to reference de Jong JPJ, Kemp R (2003) Determinants of co-workers’ innovative behaviour: an investigation into knowledge intensive services. Int J Innov Manag 7(2):189–212CrossRef de Jong JPJ, Kemp R (2003) Determinants of co-workers’ innovative behaviour: an investigation into knowledge intensive services. Int J Innov Manag 7(2):189–212CrossRef
go back to reference den Hertog P (2000) Knowledge-intensive business services as co-producers of innovation. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):491–528 den Hertog P (2000) Knowledge-intensive business services as co-producers of innovation. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):491–528
go back to reference Dolfsma W (2004) The process of new service development—issues of formalization and appropriability. Int J Innov Manag 8(3):319–337CrossRef Dolfsma W (2004) The process of new service development—issues of formalization and appropriability. Int J Innov Manag 8(3):319–337CrossRef
go back to reference Elche D, González A (2008) Influence of innovation on performance: analysis of Spanish service firms. Serv Ind J 28(10):1483–1499CrossRef Elche D, González A (2008) Influence of innovation on performance: analysis of Spanish service firms. Serv Ind J 28(10):1483–1499CrossRef
go back to reference European Commission (2007) Towards a European strategy in support of innovation in services: challenges and key issues for future actions. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg European Commission (2007) Towards a European strategy in support of innovation in services: challenges and key issues for future actions. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg
go back to reference Fay D, Borrill C, Amir Z, Haward R, West MA (2006) Getting the most out of multidisciplinary teams: a multi-sample study of team innovation in health care. J Occup Organ Psych 79:553–567CrossRef Fay D, Borrill C, Amir Z, Haward R, West MA (2006) Getting the most out of multidisciplinary teams: a multi-sample study of team innovation in health care. J Occup Organ Psych 79:553–567CrossRef
go back to reference Froehle CM, Roth AV (2007) A resource-process framework of new service development. Prod Oper Manag 16(2):169–188CrossRef Froehle CM, Roth AV (2007) A resource-process framework of new service development. Prod Oper Manag 16(2):169–188CrossRef
go back to reference Froehle CM, Roth AV, Chase RB, Voss CA (2000) Antecendents of new service development effectiveness. An exploratory examination of strategic operations choices. J Serv Res 3(1):3–17CrossRef Froehle CM, Roth AV, Chase RB, Voss CA (2000) Antecendents of new service development effectiveness. An exploratory examination of strategic operations choices. J Serv Res 3(1):3–17CrossRef
go back to reference Gadrey J, Gallouj F (1998) The provider-customer interface in business and professional services. Serv Ind J 18(2):1–15CrossRef Gadrey J, Gallouj F (1998) The provider-customer interface in business and professional services. Serv Ind J 18(2):1–15CrossRef
go back to reference Gallouj F, Djellal F (eds) (2010) The handbook of innovation and services. A multi-disciplinary perspective. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham Gallouj F, Djellal F (eds) (2010) The handbook of innovation and services. A multi-disciplinary perspective. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham
go back to reference Hipp C, Thether BS, Miles I (2000) The incidence and effects of innovation in services: evidence from Germany. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):417–453 Hipp C, Thether BS, Miles I (2000) The incidence and effects of innovation in services: evidence from Germany. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):417–453
go back to reference Hull FM (2003) Simultaneous involvement in service product development: a strategic contingency approach. Int J Innov Manag 7(3):339–370CrossRef Hull FM (2003) Simultaneous involvement in service product development: a strategic contingency approach. Int J Innov Manag 7(3):339–370CrossRef
go back to reference Junarsin E (2010) Issues in the innovation service production process: a managerial perspective. Int J Manag 27(3.2):616–627 Junarsin E (2010) Issues in the innovation service production process: a managerial perspective. Int J Manag 27(3.2):616–627
go back to reference Kelly D, Storey C (2000) New service development: initiation strategies. Int J Serv Ind Manag 11(1):45–62CrossRef Kelly D, Storey C (2000) New service development: initiation strategies. Int J Serv Ind Manag 11(1):45–62CrossRef
go back to reference Kieser A (2002) On communication barriers between management science, consultancies and business organizations. In: Clark R, Fincham R (eds) Critical consulting. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 206–227 Kieser A (2002) On communication barriers between management science, consultancies and business organizations. In: Clark R, Fincham R (eds) Critical consulting. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 206–227
go back to reference Kristensson P, Magnusson PR, Matthing J (2002) Users as a hidden resource for creativity: findings from an experimental study on user involvement. Creat Innov Manag 11(1):55–61CrossRef Kristensson P, Magnusson PR, Matthing J (2002) Users as a hidden resource for creativity: findings from an experimental study on user involvement. Creat Innov Manag 11(1):55–61CrossRef
go back to reference Kristensson P, Matthing J, Johansson N (2008) Key strategies for the successful involvement of customers in the co-creation of new technology-based services. Int J Serv Ind Manag 19(4):474–491CrossRef Kristensson P, Matthing J, Johansson N (2008) Key strategies for the successful involvement of customers in the co-creation of new technology-based services. Int J Serv Ind Manag 19(4):474–491CrossRef
go back to reference Legard R, Keegan J, Ward K (2003) In-depth interviews. In: Ritchie J, Lewis J (eds) Qualitative research practice. A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage Publications, London, pp 138–169 Legard R, Keegan J, Ward K (2003) In-depth interviews. In: Ritchie J, Lewis J (eds) Qualitative research practice. A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage Publications, London, pp 138–169
go back to reference Lievens A, de Ruyter K, Lemmink J (1999) Learning during new banking service development. A communication network approach to marketing departments. J Serv Res 2(2):145–163CrossRef Lievens A, de Ruyter K, Lemmink J (1999) Learning during new banking service development. A communication network approach to marketing departments. J Serv Res 2(2):145–163CrossRef
go back to reference Magnusson PR, Matthing J, Kristensson P (2003) Managing user involvement in service innovation. Experiments with innovating end users. J Serv Res 6(2):111–124CrossRef Magnusson PR, Matthing J, Kristensson P (2003) Managing user involvement in service innovation. Experiments with innovating end users. J Serv Res 6(2):111–124CrossRef
go back to reference Mascitelli R (2000) From experience: harnessing tacit knowledge to achieve breakthrough innovation. J Prod Innov Manag 17:179–193CrossRef Mascitelli R (2000) From experience: harnessing tacit knowledge to achieve breakthrough innovation. J Prod Innov Manag 17:179–193CrossRef
go back to reference Mas-Verdu F, Ribeiro Soriano D, Roig Dodon S (2010) Regional development and innovation: the role of services. Serv Ind J 30(5):633–641CrossRef Mas-Verdu F, Ribeiro Soriano D, Roig Dodon S (2010) Regional development and innovation: the role of services. Serv Ind J 30(5):633–641CrossRef
go back to reference Matthing J, Sandén B, Edvardsson B (2004) New service development: learning from and with customers. Int J Serv Ind Manag 15(5):479–498CrossRef Matthing J, Sandén B, Edvardsson B (2004) New service development: learning from and with customers. Int J Serv Ind Manag 15(5):479–498CrossRef
go back to reference Matthing J, Kristensson P, Gustafsson A, Parasuraman A (2006) Developing successful technology-based services: the issue of identifying and involving innovative users. J Serv Mark 20(5):288–297CrossRef Matthing J, Kristensson P, Gustafsson A, Parasuraman A (2006) Developing successful technology-based services: the issue of identifying and involving innovative users. J Serv Mark 20(5):288–297CrossRef
go back to reference McMeekin A, Coombs R (1999) Human resource management and the motivation of technical professionals. Int J Innov Manag 3(1):1–26CrossRef McMeekin A, Coombs R (1999) Human resource management and the motivation of technical professionals. Int J Innov Manag 3(1):1–26CrossRef
go back to reference Miles I (2000) Service innovation: coming to age in the knowledge-based economy. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):371–389 Miles I (2000) Service innovation: coming to age in the knowledge-based economy. Int J Innov Manag 4(4):371–389
go back to reference Oke A (2007) Innovation types and innovation management practices in service companies. Int J Oper Prod Manag 27(6):564–587CrossRef Oke A (2007) Innovation types and innovation management practices in service companies. Int J Oper Prod Manag 27(6):564–587CrossRef
go back to reference Perks H, Riihela N (2004) An exploration of inter-functional integration in the new service development process. Serv Ind J 24(6):37–63CrossRef Perks H, Riihela N (2004) An exploration of inter-functional integration in the new service development process. Serv Ind J 24(6):37–63CrossRef
go back to reference Robson C (2002) Real world research, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford Robson C (2002) Real world research, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford
go back to reference Schilling A, Werr A (2009) Managing and organizing for innovation in service firms. A literature review with annotated bibliography. Vinnova Rep VR 2009:06 Schilling A, Werr A (2009) Managing and organizing for innovation in service firms. A literature review with annotated bibliography. Vinnova Rep VR 2009:06
go back to reference Silverman D (2000) Analyzing talk and text. In: Denzin N, Lincoln Y (eds) Handbook of qualitative research. Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp 821–834 Silverman D (2000) Analyzing talk and text. In: Denzin N, Lincoln Y (eds) Handbook of qualitative research. Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp 821–834
go back to reference Storey C, Kelly D (2001) Measuring the performance of new service development activities. Serv Ind J 21(2):71–90CrossRef Storey C, Kelly D (2001) Measuring the performance of new service development activities. Serv Ind J 21(2):71–90CrossRef
go back to reference Uriona-Maldonado M, de Souza LLC, Varvakis G (2010) Focus on practice service process innovation in the Brazilian electric energy sector. Serv Bus 4:77–88 Uriona-Maldonado M, de Souza LLC, Varvakis G (2010) Focus on practice service process innovation in the Brazilian electric energy sector. Serv Bus 4:77–88
go back to reference van Riel ACR, Lievens A (2004) New service development in high tech sectors. A decision-making perspective. Int J Serv Ind Manag 15(1):72–101CrossRef van Riel ACR, Lievens A (2004) New service development in high tech sectors. A decision-making perspective. Int J Serv Ind Manag 15(1):72–101CrossRef
go back to reference van Riel ACR, Lemmink J, Ouwersloot H (2004) High-technology service innovation success: a decision-making perspective. J Prod Innov Manag 21:348–359CrossRef van Riel ACR, Lemmink J, Ouwersloot H (2004) High-technology service innovation success: a decision-making perspective. J Prod Innov Manag 21:348–359CrossRef
go back to reference Ward R (2010) Customer equality: a creative tool for SMEs in the service industry. How small and medium enterprises can win the battle for innovation. Serv Bus 4:37–48CrossRef Ward R (2010) Customer equality: a creative tool for SMEs in the service industry. How small and medium enterprises can win the battle for innovation. Serv Bus 4:37–48CrossRef
go back to reference Wengraf T (2001) Qualitative research interviewing. Biographic narratives and semi-structured methods. Sage, London Wengraf T (2001) Qualitative research interviewing. Biographic narratives and semi-structured methods. Sage, London
go back to reference Werr A, Greiner L (2008) Collaboration and the production of management knowledge in research, consulting, and management practice. In: Shani AB, Albers Mohman S, Pasmore WA, Stymne B, Adler N (eds) Handbook of collaborative management research. Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp 93–117 Werr A, Greiner L (2008) Collaboration and the production of management knowledge in research, consulting, and management practice. In: Shani AB, Albers Mohman S, Pasmore WA, Stymne B, Adler N (eds) Handbook of collaborative management research. Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp 93–117
go back to reference Zortea-Johnston E, Darroch, J, Matear S (2011) Business orientations and innovation in small and medium sized enterprises. Int Entrep Manag J. Online first doi:10.1007/s11365-011-0170-7 Zortea-Johnston E, Darroch, J, Matear S (2011) Business orientations and innovation in small and medium sized enterprises. Int Entrep Manag J. Online first doi:10.​1007/​s11365-011-0170-7
Metadata
Title
Innovation management in service firms: a research agenda
Authors
Lucia Crevani
Kristina Palm
Annika Schilling
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Service Business / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 1862-8516
Electronic ISSN: 1862-8508
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-011-0109-7

Other articles of this Issue 2/2011

Service Business 2/2011 Go to the issue