Theme 1: Service-oriented circular business models
The transformation of product-oriented businesses to service-oriented businesses through circular economy models is often regarded as a potential path towards more sustainable outcomes and has received extensive attention in the traditional manufacturing context in the past. We welcome papers that examine groundbreaking new developments in this domain. Sample topics include collaborative consumption such as fashion rentals or other unique sharing models, service-oriented business model innovations that attempt to create more equity and access, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged communities (e.g., community solar, rent-to-own models, financing options, healthcare services), and business models (e.g., sustainable agriculture, community services) that complement, support and enhance ecosystem services.
Theme 2: Environmental and social impact of service industries
While there has been extensive research studying the environmental and social impact of product-oriented or manufacturing-based industries, there needs to be more research to evaluate and address the environmental and social impact of service industries. We invite papers that explore such issues for service-oriented industries, including but not limited to, hospitality, real estate, tourism, advertising, entertainment, financial services, and consulting. In these industries, impact is crucially driven and dependent on the actions/engagement of consumers and/or employees. Therefore, we welcome papers that explore how to influence consumers, clients, and employees to make more sustainable decisions, e.g., food waste reduction, responsible investment, work-from-home, and travel policies, and promoting healthy consumer behavior and engagement and preventing addiction.
Theme 3: Platform and technology innovations for improving sustainability in services
Modern service design and delivery heavily relies on digital technologies and platform innovations. We invite papers that investigate the environmental and social implications of the applications of technologies and platform design and propose solutions for more sustainable services. Sample topics include environmental and social impact of innovative technologies such as AI, new technology and business models for energy services, and corporate governance and workforce policies for platforms.
