Exploring Servitization in Industrial Construction: A Sustainable Approach

Carlos Galera-Zarco and José Antonio Campos
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Carlos Galera-Zarco: The Bartlett School, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
José Antonio Campos: Department of Management, Deusto Business School, University of Deusto, 48807 Bilbao, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: Off-site manufacturing is emerging as an advantageous production model in the construction industry. In recent years, many tier 1 construction companies are including off-site production as part of their portfolio. Likewise, this change of model is attracting new entrants to the sector. The shift from the traditional on-site construction model to off-site manufacturing is unleashing positive impacts on projects in terms of cost, time efficiency, sustainability, and improved quality. Nonetheless, this phenomenon has yet to be analysed from the perspective of how this change in production processes influences the inclusion of services in company business models. This study explores whether and how industrialisation arises as an enabler for servitization in the construction sector. By means of an in-depth case study, our research identifies different product-service system (PSS) typologies associated with industrial construction and reveals their potential to increase additional services. Furthermore, the research sheds light on how industrial construction provides an opportunity to integrate offers and features that work towards reducing the environmental impact of construction projects and the operation and maintenance of built assets.

Keywords: off-site manufacturing; servitization; sustainability; industrial construction; product-service system; business model innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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