Sustainable Service

Abstract

This special issue delves deeply into the pivotal challenge of sustainability, using the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact as its foundation. Emphasizing the multifaceted nature of sustainability, the discussion spotlights its interdisciplinary and multistakeholder character, making a strong case that services research should be the epicenter of sustainability research and action. We introduce a new definition of “service sustainability” that brings together diverse fields such as policymaking, engineering, resource management, and education. This definition is not just an academic construct; it carries important managerial and policy implications. Organizations, both in the corporate and governmental sectors, are urged to adapt services that cater to present-day demands with a foresight that ensures the flourishing of future generations. At its heart, this updated approach emphasizes improving services while being aware of the social, environmental, and economic aspects of our connected world.