In this conversation, Vivek Joshi interviews Meindert Flikkema, a professor of innovation strategies for services, discussing the evolution of service innovation, the transition from consulting to academia, and the challenges and opportunities in the field. They explore the shift towards servitization in manufacturing, the impact of digitalization, and the generational changes affecting service perceptions. The conversation also addresses labor shortages, barriers to large-scale digital servitization, and the characteristics that distinguish successful service innovation champions. Finally, they discuss future trends, particularly the role of sustainability and venture capital in shaping business models.

Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Service Innovation and Meindert Flikkema 02:58 - Transitioning from Consulting to Academia 05:52 - The Shift to Servitization in Manufacturing 09:00 - Challenges and Opportunities in Service Innovation 11:58 - The Role of Digitalization in Service Transformation 14:56 - Generational Changes and Their Impact on Services 18:03 - Navigating Labor Shortages and Skills Gaps 20:57 - Barriers to Large-Scale Digital Servitization 24:07 - Identifying Champions in Service Innovation 27:06 - Future Trends in Service Innovation and Sustainability
Takeaways:
- Service innovation emerged as a distinct field due to a lack of focus on services in traditional business models.
- The shift to servitization is gaining momentum, driven by sustainability and digitalization.
- Labor shortages are a significant challenge for service innovation in manufacturing.
- Companies often struggle with the transition to service-oriented business models due to persistent misconceptions.
- Digital servitization is becoming essential, yet many companies remain stuck in pilot phases.
- Successful service innovation requires client involvement and commitment from both sides.
- Maturity models are crucial for understanding the progression of service innovation.
- Regulatory pressures can drive innovation more effectively than market potential alone.
- Venture capitalists are increasingly favoring service-oriented business models.
- The future of service innovation will be shaped by sustainability and technological advancements.