TRIANGLE DILEMMA: NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SERVITIZATION OF MANUFACTURING IN PRODUCT-SERVICE-SOFTWARE SYSTEMS

Purpose: This paper reviews the literature on product-service-software systems (PSSSs) in the setting of servitization of manufacturing companies. Then, it uses an in-depth case-research to advance knowledge on PSSSs, as a potential evolution of digital servitization. Design/Methodology/Approach: the paper employs an extensive literature review with keywords such as servitization, product-service system, software, platform, smart PSS, and PSSS, to retrieve relevant studies on this subject. The research is also based on preliminary findings from a leading case manufacturer that is developing a stand-alone software business. Findings: the study unveils the interrogatives and tensions that arise in a large industrial firm, that has a well-established business of equipment and advanced digitally-enabled services when moving to a digital products offering. Originality/Value: the novelty of this study lies in the focus on software, as a stand-alone business, in manufacturing contexts. The research provides indications for managers and avenues for future research.