The New Service Economy - KK-stiftelsen

The New Service Economy
the self-evaluation report if the situations faced by the companies are discussed
and dissected in the classroom, or if only those students specifically
assigned to the companies are the only ones with knowledge of the company’s
situation. These company projects would appear to provide laboratories
for learning about business problems and how to apply a large number
of service concepts.
Apparently the number of students enrolled in Karlstad University has
not increased as a result of the project-based opportunities mentioned above.
Indeed, the number of students has apparently remained fairly constant
throughout the length of the profile. This is not surprising, given the general
educational trends in Sweden during this time frame. Thus, there is no evidence
that the profile has increased student enrolments. However, this does
not necessarily suggest that students are indifferent to the learning opportunities
provide from these projects. Indeed, it is easy to imagine that the
number of students may have actually declined during this time period if the
profile funded by the Knowledge Foundation had not been in place.
To become more attractive to future students, and compete for students
outside of Sweden (particularly European students), CTF should consider
expanding its company network beyond the local, regional and national levels.
More Swedish companies who are major players on the international
level, as well as companies who are based outside of Sweden, should be
considered for future research projects. Doing so might allow CTF, and
Karlstad University, to position their program as being an “international”
service program. Doing so could provide a platform to bring in international
speakers, instructors, and companies, and may make the program more appealing
to a larger number of students.
5. Industry relevance
CTF has close relationships with Swedish firms. Whether CTF always is in
alignment with the needs and demands of the industry is not so clear. However,
the needs and demands are not always clearly defined by the firms
(maybe there are no specific demands?).
Compared to other service research centers in the world, CTF is arguably
ranked within the top 5. CTF is well known as a leading center for service
research in all of Europe; there is no other northern European school with
the same profile and quality. It is a leading ”part” of the Nordic School of
Service, with a strong focus on qualitative methods and on customer involvement
in service development and value creation.
Most CTF activities have been highly related to industry needs; CTF has
done a good job in transferring the research knowledge to the cooperating
partner firms and influenced the companies’ culture. CTF often trains the
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