Service Innovation - The Impact of Different Processes and Methods on Entrepreneurial Success

Abstract

In international rankings, Switzerland is regularly rated one of the most innovative economies in the world. Despite this, it still lacks service innovations, a fact that is all the more significant considering that this represents the largest sector of the country's economy. Different types of service innovation processes are identified: R&D-based, practice-oriented, and ad hoc processes. With regard to the methods used in these processes, these may have a stronger focus on service and/or innovation, and may be used with variable frequency. In a survey of 300 Swiss service companies, it was shown that innovative service companies use service-specific innovation processes and methods more frequently, which can increase the profit share of innovative services and improve their competitive position.