How different? Comparing the use of design in service innovation in Nordic and American new technology-based firms

This paper explores differences in the use of design in service innovation in Nordic and American new technology-based firms and is based on a systematic qualitative comparison of case data collected on eight service innovation projects in each of the locations. Differences were expected due to these two locations' disparity in terms of agglomeration of technology-based firms and access to design resources. The results of the comparison indicate that there are more similarities than there are differences in how design is used in service innovation in these two locations. Possible explanations are explored and implications suggested.