Servitization in family firms: a case from an Italian manufacturing industry

Purpose: We study how family firms can overcome their innovation-related barriers thanks to astrategic alliance. In particular, we focus on the interorganizational factors that facilitate thedevelopment of servitization strategies. These are of paramount importance for the competitiveness of SMEs operating in the lift industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: we conducted a longitudinal case study, exploring some firms in aconsortium of 21 small- and medium-sized Italian family firms operating in the lift industry. Findings: Although preliminary, our findings confirm that small and medium-sized family firms caninnovate their service-orientation thanks to strategic alliances; we found that it is relevant the roleplayed by the ͚ďŽƵŶĚĂƌLJƐƉĂŶŶĞƌƐ͛ and the pressure to protect their business and family from rivalries. Originality/Value: This is a first attempt to shed lights on how networks can help innovation andervitization of small- and medium-sized family firms, thus helping them in overcoming their abilitywillingness paradox.