Objective
The SHAPE project embodies a pioneering effort to advance the way data-driven service innovations are integrated and executed within business ecosystems. Central to this initiative is the recognition of the unique value creation that occurs within such ecosystems, a concept of paramount importance to the German economy, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role. In a landscape where tailored, data-driven services are increasingly important, collaboration between different stakeholders - each bringing their own expertise, methodological skills and resources - is essential.
At the heart of SHAPE’s innovative strategy is the creation of the “SHAPE Hub” – a platform designed to facilitate the orchestration of a specific ensemble of actors and resources. This platform equips participants with a set of methodologies that enable them to pioneer service innovation within their respective ecosystems. This effort is supported by the integration of local centers of excellence, which act as individual nodes that actively contribute to the innovation process.
SHAPE’s vision extends to the formulation of scalable strategies for building service ecosystems that serve not only SMEs, but also public institutions and other relevant stakeholders. This vision encompasses the iterative, data-driven evolution of service innovations, the agile allocation of resources, the fine-tuning of stakeholder interactions, and the digital overhaul of these ecosystems. By establishing a hub-based architecture and engaging multipliers, SHAPE aims to digitalize these strategies and facilitate their practical application.
A key objective of the SHAPE project is to investigate and implement mechanisms for dynamic resource allocation and agile restructuring of relationships between actors. The aim is to develop a universal methodology capable of fostering service innovation across different sectors. By automating the processes of selecting and aggregating competencies and resources, SHAPE aims to establish a customer-centric, industry-agnostic methodology that enhances the capacity for service innovation within ecosystems.
To put it simply, imagine a small business that wants to offer a new online service. Traditionally, this might mean navigating a complex web of technological challenges, regulatory requirements, and market demands – all on their own. With SHAPE, however, that business would be or become a part of a supportive ecosystem, gaining access to a wealth of shared knowledge, resources, and expertise. This collaborative environment not only accelerates the development of innovative services, but also ensures that these services are fine-tuned to meet the needs of today’s dynamic market landscapes.
At its core, SHAPE is not just about fostering innovation; it’s about reimagining the way businesses and institutions come together to create value, harnessing the power of data and digital technology to forge stronger, more resilient service ecosystems.
Duration
01.01.2024-31.12.2026
Funding
The project “SHAPE - Dienstleistungsorchestrierung zur Entwicklung und Pilotierung in Ökosystemen” is funded by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) within the measure “Entwicklung neuer digitaler Leistungen für datenorientierte Wertschöpfung (DigiLeistDAT)” as part of the Hightech-Strategie 2025 “Forschung und Innovation für die Menschen” and the program “Zukunft der Wertschöpfung – Forschung zu Produktion, Dienstleistung und Arbeit”.
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