Value architecture of result-oriented PSS: An integration of value network partners

In the last decades, manufacturers have increasingly shifted from offering physical products to Product-Service Systems (PSS) through a process known as servitization. Manufacturers offering “result-oriented” PSS sell specific outcomes (Tukker, 2004). One example is Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS), where the outcome is an agreed heating level rather than the equipment itself. The transition towards HaaS requires manufacturers to redesign their value network partners and, consequently, their value architecture. However, extant literature does not describe how. Therefore, we develop the research question (RQ):“How can the value architecture of a result-based PSS such as HaaS be designed?” To address such RQ, this paper adopts an abductive approach. It integrates data from the case study of a heating systems manufacturer shifting towards HaaS, BAXI, followed by a systematic literature review. As a result, the study proposes a conceptualization of the value architecture and outlines future research directions.