What this publication covers
Examines old and new myths about services, such as the belief that they are unproductive, low-skilled, or incapable of innovation. It argues that service innovation exists, can take distinctive forms, and also benefits from the convergence of manufacturing and services.
How this reference can help
Use it to question established assumptions about os fundamentos, pressupostos e limites do design.
Curated by Ricardo Martins
View the original abstract 🇺🇸 🇬🇧
Although service activities now account for the greater share of wealth and employment in developed economies, they are still perceived negatively. Once described as residual activities characterised by low productivity, low capital intensity and low skill levels, they are now regarded as lacking in innovative capacity. This article examines these myths and their origins. Innovation in services exists, although it has to be accepted that it may possibly take different forms and be organised differently. Nevertheless, against a background of convergence between a manufacturing sector that is becoming increasingly service -oriented and a service sector that is gradually becomin g industrialised, it would be wrong to conclude that there is an irreconcilable opposition between goods and services when it comes to innovation; rather, there are opportunities for mutual enrichment.