Chieko Minami

<p>This study aims to clarify how the advanced use of ICT promotes the degree of servitization of manufacturing. In the research on servitization, the role of ICT has been considered as an enabler in combination with other factors. Prior studies identified the following issues relating to ICT use: (1) lack of discussion of service capability in the context of ICT use, (2) challenges in identifying the moderating effects of ICT, and (3) problems regarding the measurement of servitization. The current research focused on these issues and conducted an empirical study targeting manufacturing companies (machinery, electrical equipment, precision equipment, and transportation equipment industry). The data were collected from the investor relations information of 117 firms, and the level of servitization and the degree of ICT use were operationalized for the empirical study. We employed ordered logistic regression analysis. The results reveal the moderating effect of ICT use on the relationship between service capability and the degree of servitization. This study contributes to the field of servitization research by identifying the relationship between the level of servitization and service capability, the advanced use of ICT, and other managerial factors. </p>