Service Innovation in the Platform Ecosystem: The Case of Smart Campus in China

Abstract

Service innovation within the platform ecosystem is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon which spans various stages. However, empirical studies primarily focus on the IT industry and private enterprises, neglecting the complexities of the public sector. Platform ecosystems evolve gradually over time, necessitating longitudinal studies of their lifecycle stages. In order to address this gap, scholars have called for more dynamic analyses across different settings. This study therefore explores service innovation within platform ecosystems, with a specific emphasis on a case study of a Chinese smart campus. An analytical framework based on service-dominant (S-D) logic, platform ecosystem components, and the lifecycle model are applied; this study investigates how the Service Dominant Platform Ecosystem (SDPE) evolves to promote service innovation in Chinese smart campuses. The analysis tracks the development of smart campuses through the four distinct phases of: self-renewal, birth, expansion, and leadership, providing a comprehensive narrative of the service innovation process. At the self-renewal stage, foundational infrastructure is established amidst challenges such as outdated systems and compatibility issues, hindering user engagement. The birth stage involves advancements in strategic planning and technology integration, fostering increased user acceptance. The expansion stage focuses on scaling and refining the platform, while the leadership stage emphasises sustained optimisation and innovation. This thesis contributes to the understanding of service innovation, platform ecosystems, and smart campuses. It firstly addresses a critical gap by exploring platform ecosystems in the public sector, specifically in Chinese educational settings. Secondly, through the application of S-D logic, it illuminates the collaborative value creation among different components. Thirdly, it offers a comprehensive view of smart campuses as dynamic ecosystems, detailing their lifecycle stages. The research also introduces the SDPE model, a theoretical framework which sheds light on the dynamics which drive service innovation and value co-creation. Finally, through empirical analysis, the thesis provides actionable insights to promote service innovation within SDPEs in the public sector.

Date of Award	24 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Ping Gao (Main Supervisor) & Negar Monazam Tabrizi (Co Supervisor)