Learning in Service Ecosystems : Conceptualizing Network Learning in Servitization

This study examines the phenomenon of network learning in servitization in the context of service ecosystem where product-based manufacturing firms transform towards offering integrated solutions involving different actors. It analyzes the literature on joint learning, knowledge management and servitization and their interconnectedness in explaining how network learning play a role in servitization and developing joint solutions. Based on theoretically informed inter-disciplinary research, this paper conceptualizes the perspective of co-evolvement by studying the delivery of the solutions through a process of joint learning that takes place between network actors, within the service ecosystem. The findings reveal that the network learning through knowledge sharing, joint sense-making and knowledge implementation in servitization relate to value co-creation for all ecosystem actors. There is a servitization paradox exist, however, by employing coping strategies, firms can avoid the servitization failures where network learning can also play a role as a facilitator. This paper contributes to servitization and joint learning literature by bridging the gaps between scattered scholarship, addressing the recent calls for further research and offers articulated research foundations to understand different dynamics of servitization. The conceptual framework is envisioned to establish a baseline for firms to understand and endeavor the important role of network learning.