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This work has been partially funded by the Spanish MICINN, through the SERVDIGITAL project (PID2020-117244RB-100).

Analysis of institutional authors

Pinillos, MjAuthorDiaz-Garrido, ECorresponding AuthorMartin-Pena, MlAuthor

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The origin and evolution of the concept of servitization: a co-word and network analysis

Publicated to:Journal Of Business & Industrial Marketing. 37 (7): 1497-1514 - 2022-05-23 37(7), DOI: 10.1108/JBIM-02-2021-0120

Authors: Pinillos, Maria-Jose; Diaz-Garrido, Eloisa; Martin-Pena, Maria-Luz

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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the origins and evolution of the concept of servitization by studying the definitions of servitization provided in the literature. Servitization represents an academic field that has grown rapidly since its inception. However, the conceptualization of servitization varies greatly, in part because of the number of studies on this topic and the fact that it has been analyzed in a range of disciplines using a number of theoretical approaches. There is a need to standardize the vocabulary to create a general definition that can support the development of theory in this domain and help legitimize servitization as a research area. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a systematic, quantitative analysis of a broad set of definitions of servitization. Specifically, this study performs content analysis (combining co-word analysis and social network analysis) and consensus analysis. This study develops a strategic diagram to represent the morphology of the research network. Findings The definitions of servitization are deconstructed and analyzed in depth to create a comprehensive picture of the research on this topic. This analysis reveals the origins and evolution of this research area. The results show a low degree of consensus among scholars regarding the concept of servitization. This study proposes a definition that should be widely accepted thanks to its inclusion of the core terms from other definitions. Explicit recognition of multiple approaches to defining the term can help practitioners and researchers. Predictions about future progress in this area are discussed. Originality/value A universal definition of servitization is proposed based on the results of co-word and network analysis. This definition unifies a range of multidisciplinary viewpoints. From a practical perspective, the key vocabulary in servitization research is highlighted.

Keywords

Bibliometric analysisBusiness modelCo-word analysisCompetitive advantageConsensus analysisDefinitionsDominant-logicIntegrated productsManufacturing firmsOperationsProduct-service systemRemote monitoring technologyServitizationStrategic diagramSupply chain management

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Journal Of Business & Industrial Marketing due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency Scopus (SJR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2022, it was in position , thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Business and International Management.

From a relative perspective, and based on the normalized impact indicator calculated from World Citations provided by WoS (ESI, Clarivate), it yields a value for the citation normalization relative to the expected citation rate of: 1.1. This indicates that, compared to works in the same discipline and in the same year of publication, it ranks as a work cited above average. (source consulted: ESI Nov 14, 2024)

This information is reinforced by other indicators of the same type, which, although dynamic over time and dependent on the set of average global citations at the time of their calculation, consistently position the work at some point among the top 50% most cited in its field:

  • Weighted Average of Normalized Impact by the Scopus agency: 1.21 (source consulted: FECYT Feb 2024)
  • Field Citation Ratio (FCR) from Dimensions: 5.57 (source consulted: Dimensions Jun 2025)

Specifically, and according to different indexing agencies, this work has accumulated citations as of 2025-06-06, the following number of citations:

  • WoS: 12
  • Scopus: 15
  • OpenCitations: 9

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-06-06:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 56 (PlumX).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.

Leadership analysis of institutional authors

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Pinillos Costa, María José) and Last Author (Martín Peña, María Luz).

the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Díaz Garrido, Eloisa.