Design of product-service systems in SMEs: a review of current research and suggestions for future directions

Abstract

Purpose Despite increasing focus among scholars and practitioners on the design of product-service systems (PSS), there exists no compilation of current knowledge on the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in designing such systems. Thus, this paper sets out to identify and organise the existing research and suggest questions for future research. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was performed to identify and provide in-depth details on key themes in the literature addressing the design of PSS in SMEs. Findings This paper identifies five themes in the literature on the design of PSS in SMEs: motives, challenges, SME characteristics, methods and digitalisation. The themes are interrelated, and SME characteristics seem to be at the core as they are related to all the other themes. Gaps in the current knowledge are identified, and questions for future research are suggested. Originality/value The suggestions for future research provide a starting point for expanding the research on PSS design and devising practical support for SMEs.

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