“…Against this backdrop, the service sector (significant, especially in developed economies) and innovation (the acknowledged engine of economic growth) emerge as a research field with an increasing highprofile and relevance (Djellal, Gallouj, & Miles, 2013;Lazzarotti, Manzini, Nosella, & Pellegrini, 2016). However, despite the growing importance of the service sector in developed economies (Castro, Montoro-Sanchez, & Criado, 2011;Crevani, Palm, & Schilling, 2011;Czarnitzski & Spielkamp, 2003;Un & Montoro-Sanchez, 2010), studies on innovation in this sector have only gained impetus in the last 20 years (Bryson & Monnoyer, 2002;Castellacci, 2010;Gallego, Rubalcaba, & Hipp, 2013a;Gallego, Rubalcaba, & Suarez, 2013b). Until then, they were focused mostly on (tangible) products and the industrial sector (Bryson & Monnoyer, 2002;Castro et al, 2011;Droege, Hildebrand, & Forcada, 2009;Toivonen & Tuominen, 2009;Un & MontoroSanchez, 2010), services being regarded as the "laggards" as far as innovation was concerned (Camacho & Rodríguez, 2005;Droege et al, 2009;Gallouj & Savona, 2009).…”