Inquiry and Analysis of Challenges in the Development of Smart Product-Service Systems

Abstract

In a smart product-service system (smart PSS), non-tangible services are bundled with tangible products as well as options for information and communication technologies. Enterprises offer smart PSS in order to provide added value for customers and deal with increasing competitive pressure. However, the development of these complex systems also presents enterprises, especially SMEs, with challenges. In order to identify the challenges in the development of smart PSS and requests for corresponding support, a multi-method study was conducted with eighteen participants from German SMEs.