Resources as both Service and Asset

Service Science teaches that resources need to be treated as services. The value is created in the application of the service. However, resources also have stored value - their asset nature.

Consider an employee. Yes, value is created through the application of their skill - the service they provide. However, we can enhance their value as an asset if we train them to have a skill we will need - note the tense.

If we believe we will hae a need for this new skill, then the employee asset has more value if they have that skill - based on our anticipation.

This analysis suggests we need to combine the Service Science concept of value (value in use) with the Activity Theory concept of anticipation of action to have "asset" value meaning anticipated value in use.

"Asset" value then can change when anticipation changes:

  • anticipation becomes actual (is value actualised?)
  • circumstances change, as our anticipation changes (it may intensify, reduce, or the nature may change).

Note: This analysis also explains the value of insurance - which was previously seen as a problem for Service Science definitions of value in use.


Resource — 1. a source of supply, support, or aid, esp. one that can be readily drawn upon when needed. [1]

Service — 1. an act of helpful activity[1], where helpful means creating value.

Asset — 1. a useful and desirable thing or quality. 2. a single item of ownership having exchange value. [1]


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