Categorization and mechanism of platform-type product-service systems in manufacturing

Manufacturing industries has confronted a changing phase from sales as physical products to provision as ‘servicized’ products. Accordingly, manufacturers must consider a new fusional framework incorporating products and services. This study defines a ‘platform-type product service system’ as a comprehensive business model with a common platform on which service providers, consumers, and manufacturers mutually interact. Such a platform framework offers great potential for manufacturers because it inevitably requires product use. Our study categorizes actual business examples. Then, based on that categorization, we construct theoretical models of several types. Game theoretic analysis clarifies its characteristics and mechanisms.