Multi-Actor Service Innovation in Ecosystems

24. March 2025

In today’s interconnected world, businesses no longer operate in isolation. They are part of dynamic service ecosystems—systems where organizations, customers, and stakeholders collaboratively shape value. This shift from a firm-centric to a co-creative approach is redefining industries, from healthcare and finance to digital platforms and sustainability.

Why does this matter? Because value is no longer something businesses deliver—it’s something they co-create with engaged participants. Customers actively contribute insights, employees innovate together, and digital technologies blur the boundaries between producer and consumer. The result? More meaningful experiences, stronger relationships, and sustainable competitive advantages.

However, coordinating multi-actor innovation is not without challenges. How do different stakeholders align their goals and incentives? What governance structures foster effective collaboration? Which role do intermediaries play? And how can digital technologies, data sharing, and platform ecosystems accelerate innovation across industries? These questions sit at the heart of cutting-edge research in service research and I am very passionate about that.

Are you as well? If yes, please join me on the journey of my doctoral dissertation and work with me!

 

Level Bachelor, Master, Project Thesis
Language English/German
Field of Study Business Administration, IBS, IIS, Management, or related fields
Prerequisites
  • Strong interest in service research (service innovation, servitization, service-dominant-logic)
  • Interest in systematic literature reviews
  • Interest in qualitative research
  • No specific technical or coding skills required

Description

The thesis will revolve around multi-actor service innovation in ecosystems. The particular topic of your thesis will be tailored based on available research projects in the specific timeframe and your background.

Why Choose This Topic?

  • Relevance: The topic aligns with the current trend toward digital transformation and collaborative innovation, ensuring that research findings are highly relevant to today’s dynamic business and service landscapes.
  • Skill Development: Develop qualitative research skills applicable to consulting, finance, and innovation management
  • Impact: Your thesis insights can help organizations  enhance their collaborative processes, bridging academic research with tangible industry challenges.

Why choose us for this topic?

  • Our chair has a strong research focus on service and we enjoy publishing about it.
  • We are currently working in two research projects evolving around service innovation.
  • Your thesis, your journey. I really enjoy supporting motivated students in their thesis work because I think your thesis should be more than just an academic requirement. However, thesis supervision is a collaborative process—please engage with us and be proactive.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please send the following via mail:

  • CV
  • Transcript of records
  • Short motivation

 

Contact Person

Nina Lugmair (nina.lugmair@fau.de)