Knowledge Reuse in Product-Service Systems

The current study examines knowledge reuse (focused on the recipient) from a product life-cycle perspective in the context of product-service systems through 27 semi-structured interviews in 11 firms. This study focused on the phases of the beginning-of-life (represented by R&D, purchasing, and production) and the middle-of-life (represented by logistics, customer service/quality, and sales). Similarities and differences were found between and within the two phases and the six sub-phases. Our research suggests that to remain competitive, a consistent understanding of the knowledge requirements for both sender and recipient should be identified, a match between the knowledge sourced and the mechanism employed should be made, and organizational culture/mechanisms to retain higher-caliber employees should be prioritized.