Service Users as Sources for Innovation: An Empirical Study in the German Services IndustryUsers are considered as important source for new service ideas and, therefore, as a vital impetus to the creation of innovative new services. Yet, little is known about how service companies manage user integration in the early stages of service development and which types of user qualify as source of service innovation. In this work we widen the knowledge base practitioners and scientists can build on when exploring which service users to integrate and how to increase the likelihood of generating attractive new service ideas. Based on empirical data from two complementary large scale surveys, we provide valuable new insights into the industrial practice of user integration in the German services industry and analyze the independent development contributions of Internet service users. |
Contents
Literature review | 7 |
Research strategy conceptual principles of empirical research | 142 |
analyzing linear structural equation models with nominal variables | 181 |
Data collection and research populations | 195 |
Empirical findings industry perspective Survey 1 | 210 |
Empirical findings user perspective Survey 2 | 242 |
Amalgation of research findings of the industry and user perspective | 306 |
Conclusion and implications | 316 |
Closing | 325 |
Common terms and phrases
activities Ahead of trend analysis aspects assumed attractiveness Author's compilation benefit benefit expectations compared construct costs detailed development contribution differences dimensions direction domain effect empirical Equal variances estimation et al existing experience factor Figure formative Groups Herstatt Hippel hypotheses ideas identify impact implementation important improvements indicators integrating users internal Internet Journal know-how knowledge lack latter lead user least likelihood literature Lüthje Management means measure motivation needs observed offerings originality path perceived personality positive problems proposed prototyping question radical innovations readiness reflective regard relationships relevant research model respective response sample sector service companies service ideas service industry service innovations service users shows significant situation Source statistics structural studies survey Table technical theory understanding user characteristics user innovation user integration user's validity variables