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What do we really know about services?

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  • Gary Akehurst

Abstract

The inherent characteristics of services are well-known but do we really understand what services are, how services form an essential part of most products produced and delivered today, how services can enhance differentiation, competitiveness and help drive innovation and regional economic development? Sadly despite some 30 years of endeavour the answer is no, and so we need to consider how this problem can realistically be addressed by identifying the key services themes which need intensive long-term research. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2008

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Akehurst, 2008. "What do we really know about services?," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 2(1), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:svcbiz:v:2:y:2008:i:1:p:1-15
    DOI: 10.1007/s11628-006-0015-6
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    1. Sang M. Lee & Jin Sung Rha, 2018. "A network text analysis of published papers in service business, 2007–2017: research trends in the service sector," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 12(4), pages 809-831, December.
    2. Tietze, Frank & Herstatt, Cornelius, 2009. "Intermediaries and Innovation: Why they emerge and how they facilitate IP transactions on the markets for technology," Working Papers 59, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.
    3. José Antonio Belso-Martínez & Alicia Mas-Tur & Mariola Sánchez & María José López-Sánchez, 2020. "The COVID-19 response system and collective social service provision. Strategic network dimensions and proximity considerations," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 14(3), pages 387-411, September.
    4. Francisco Mas-Verdú & Anthony Wensley & Martin Alba & José García Álvarez-Coque, 2011. "How much does KIBS contribute to the generation and diffusion of innovation?," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 5(3), pages 195-212, September.
    5. Anna Lejpras, 2019. "Determinants of export performance: differences between service and manufacturing SMEs," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 13(1), pages 171-198, March.
    6. Chung-Jen Wang & Chang-Yen Tsai, 2014. "Managing innovation and creativity in organizations: an empirical study of service industries in Taiwan," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 8(2), pages 313-335, June.
    7. Lucia Crevani & Kristina Palm & Annika Schilling, 2011. "Innovation management in service firms: a research agenda," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 5(2), pages 177-193, June.
    8. Rafael Cáceres & Joaquin Guzmán, 2015. "Seeking an innovation structure common to both manufacturing and services," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 9(3), pages 361-379, September.
    9. Chien-Lung Hsu & Chun-Hao Chiang, 2015. "A bibliometric study of SSME in information systems research," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(3), pages 1835-1865, March.
    10. Stephanie Reitzinger & Astrid Pennerstorfer, 2021. "The size–growth relationship in the social services sector in Austria," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 15(3), pages 445-466, September.
    11. Insu Cho & Heejun Park & Jeongil Choi, 2011. "The impact of diversity of innovation channels on innovation performance in service firms," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 5(3), pages 277-294, September.
    12. Edward Ku, 2014. "Putting forth marketing competencies strength with collaborating partners in the hotel industry," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 8(4), pages 679-697, December.
    13. Minseok Choi & Kyeongseok Han & Jeongil Choi, 2015. "The effects of product attributes and service quality of transportation card solutions on service user’s continuance and word-of-mouth intention," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 9(3), pages 463-490, September.
    14. Luis Miranda-Gumucio & Ignacio Gil-Pechuán & Daniel Palacios-Marqués, 2013. "An exploratory study of the determinants of switching and loyalty in prepaid cell phone users. An application of concept mapping," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 7(4), pages 603-622, December.
    15. Daniel Badulescu & Alina Badulescu & Sebastian Sipos-Gug & Anamaria Diana Herte & Darie Gavrilut, 2020. "Knowledge Intensive Business Services And Their Economic Role In European Union: A Brief Analysis," Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 5(1), pages 72-85, March.
    16. James Stanworth & Ryan Hsu & Huo-Tsan Chang, 2015. "Interpersonal service quality of the Chinese: determinants and behavioral drivers," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 9(3), pages 515-540, September.
    17. Max Finne & Saara Brax & Jan Holmström, 2013. "Reversed servitization paths: a case analysis of two manufacturers," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 7(4), pages 513-537, December.

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