The recursive structure of systems, a core principle of the VSA, is particularly relevant to Service Science. Service systems operate at multiple levels of recursion, where each level functions as a viable system in its own right while contributing to the viability of the larger system. For instance, an individual employee delivering a service is part of a team, which is part of an organization, which in turn is part of a broader service ecosystem. Each level must align with and adapt to the goals and constraints of the others, ensuring coherence and value creation throughout the system.

Service Science in the VSA also emphasizes the importance of contextual adaptation. Services are inherently dynamic and must adapt to the specific needs and expectations of stakeholders within their environment. This contextuality ensures that value is co-created in ways that are relevant and meaningful to the stakeholders involved. The VSA complements this by providing a framework for understanding how service systems interact with their environment and adapt to its complexity to maintain viability.

The concept of value co-creation is central to Service Science and aligns closely with the VSA’s emphasis on relational dynamics. In Service Science, value is not produced and delivered in isolation but emerges through collaborative interactions between providers, customers, and other stakeholders. Similarly, in the VSA, value is seen as a systemic outcome that depends on the quality of relationships and the coherence of interactions within and across systems. For example, a healthcare service does not simply deliver treatment; it co-creates value by engaging patients, medical staff, and technology in a collaborative process that enhances health outcomes.

Feedback loops play a critical role in Service Science within the VSA framework. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of interactions allow service systems to refine their processes, improve stakeholder experiences, and adapt to changing conditions. Feedback mechanisms are essential for learning and innovation, enabling service systems to remain responsive and resilient in dynamic environments.

The VSA’s principle of requisite variety is also integral to Service Science. To manage the complexity of service ecosystems, service systems must develop sufficient internal complexity to match the variety of their external environment. This involves fostering diverse capabilities, knowledge, and resources within the system to address the diverse and evolving needs of stakeholders. For instance, a transportation service must integrate various modes of transport, customer preferences, and regulatory requirements to provide seamless and adaptive solutions.

Governance is another critical component of Service Science in the VSA. Effective governance ensures that service systems operate transparently, ethically, and in alignment with their goals and the broader ecosystem. It establishes structures and processes for managing relationships, resources, and feedback, enabling service systems to function coherently and sustainably.

Service Science in the VSA also emphasizes the role of technology and innovation in enhancing service delivery and value co-creation. Technology is seen as an enabler that facilitates interactions, integrates resources, and expands the capabilities of service systems. For example, digital platforms enable real-time communication, data sharing, and personalized service experiences, all of which enhance the systemic viability of the service ecosystem.

In summary, Service Science within the VSA is a systemic, relational, and adaptive approach to understanding and optimizing service systems. It highlights the importance of value co-creation, contextual adaptation, feedback loops, and governance in ensuring the viability of service ecosystems. By integrating the principles of Service Science with the VSA framework, organizations and stakeholders can better navigate the complexities of service interactions, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable value creation in dynamic environments.