Collaborating with service and digital suppliers for smart product-service systems development: collaborative configurations based on the social exchange theory

Purpose – This paper aims to define the main configurations of inter-firm collaboration to develop Smart Product-Service Systems (PSSs) in the digital servitization context. Methodology – We propose four configurations of inter-firm collaboration for Smart PSS development, considering the level of value creation joint activities and value capture interdependence among the actors. We conducted four case studies, one for each type of collaboration. These cases were analyzed according to the four elements of Social Exchange Theory (SET): trust, commitment, reciprocity, and power. Findings – We show four main types of inter-firm collaboration: expanded business, enhanced business, platform business and symbiotic business. Our findings show that the type of configuration for inter-firm collaboration chosen by product firms varies according to the level of innovation sought in the Smart PSS offer. Additionally, during each type of collaboration, different arrangements of the elements of trust, commitment, reciprocity, and power can be found. Originality/value – Our study provides an in-depth analysis of inter-firm collaboration for Smart PSS offering and show how service and digital suppliers interact with the servitized company.