The annual Frontiers in Service Conference was hosted by Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and Center for Service Innovation (CSI) 23rd to 26th June. This was the 25th Frontiers conference An amazing crowd of 230 researchers from all corners of the world (i.e. 30 countries) found their way to beautiful Bergen, Norway.
During three hectic days the participants learned from key note speakers who shared their thoughts, experiences, and insights on the topic ”Transforming nations, industries, and companies through innovations and technology”.
Challenges are numerous: immigrants arriving in Europe need to be integrated, the economy needs to become greener, healthcare services need to become more effective and efficient, and companies need to develop digital platforms and use design thinking to increase customer experience. We received about 300 abstracts and 145 were invited to come and present their interesting papers.
But a successful conference is more than presentation: conversations, discussions, and renewing ols friendships are important elements. The organizing committee offered several opportunities for interacting: cruse on the bay of Bergen with the schooner Statsraad Lehmkuml followed by the Mayor of Bergen inviting us all for a formal reception in King Haakons hall – a hall from the 11th century. During the Award dinner, Professor Ray Fisk gave us a glimpse of 25 years in the history of Frontiers. Amazingly, Ray and Roland are the only two who has attended all 25.
During the dinner we also celebrated the many worthy paper-award winners, including Professor Mike Bradey, Florida, for the Christopher Lovelock award and Professor Bart Larevier, Gent, for the Emerging Scholar award. Dr Tim Keiningham and Professor Lerzan Aksoy announced next year’s Frontiers conference in the heart of the Big Apple – New York. On Saturday we where all invited to the composer Edward Griegs home for a reception and a mini concert where some of his music where performed by an eminent piano player. Participants could also have guided tours inside Grieg’s home at Troldhaugen. We were all thankful for the warm temperature and sunny weather during the boat-cruse and the Grieg experience.
2016 Frontiers Conference Committee was:
Professor Tor W. Andreassen, Norwegian School of Economics: Co-chair, Professor Einar Breivik, Norwegian School of Economics: Co-chair, Professor Lerzan Akzoy, Fordham University: Co-chair, Professor Roland T. Rust, University of Maryland: Co-chair, Professor Peter Verhoef, University of Groningen, Professor Werner Kunz, University of Massachusetts, Professor Ming-Hui Huang, National Taiwan University College of Management, Dr Jim Spohrer, IBM
2016 Frontiers Organizing Committe was:
Elaine Pettersen, Irene H. Moe, Natalia Drozdova, Paal Fennell, Tor W. Andreassen
Impressions from the event (for mobile click here)
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