From the mid-nineties on various theorists like Stahel (1991, 1993) and Manzini (1993) have discussed the concept of Eco-efficient Services as a potential beneficial strategy towards sustainability. These services sell the use of products to customers instead of the products themselves. The arguments for the supposed environmental potential were mainly of theoretical nature. Little empirical research has been done so far to explore the empirical relevance of the concept of Eco-efficient Services for archieving greater sustainability.

In my dissertation (Meijkamp, 2000) I have made an extensive empirical study of Car Sharing Services in the Netherlands based on consumer behaviour research and environmental analysis. This services innovation has frequently been mentioned as an illustrative example of so-called Eco-efficient services.

In my paper I will reflect on the results of this empirical study and describe the implications for further research in the field of so called Sustainable Service Systems. Based on this in-depth case study I will draw more general conclusions from what I learned from Car Sharing services. Furthermore I will formulate my agenda for further research on Eco-efficient Services or on the further development of innovative service systems to enrole a transitional proces towards sustainability.

The lessons learned concern the following three major aspects:

1. Where can the potential for environmental improvement be found? What is the influence of product/ service system and market characteristics as well as consumer behaviour on the potential for environmental improvement?
2. For what kind of products and in what kind of markets most business opportunities can be found to transfer a product offer into a more service oriented market offer?
3. Which kind of products are most appropriate from a consumer acceptance perspective to be transformed into a more service oriented market offer?

With regards to the research agenda I will formulate new research questions in the area of so-called Sustainable Service Systems with respect to consumer behaviour research, environmental analysis of service systems, environmental management in service systems and innovation management of service innovations. Based on experiences in the field of Car Sharing services not only a rather practice oriented research agenda can be formulated, but also new questions for more theory oriented research.

Refencence:

R.G. Meijkamp (2000), Changing consumer behaviour through Eco-efficient Services; An empirical study on Car Sharing in the Netherlands, dissertation Delft University of Technology

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Last updated: 13 November, 2008