Identifying trends and recognizing opportunities in the modern service economy with a view to actively shaping the future: This is what the various chapters of this volume set out to do. Find a collection of factual observation, empirical data and expert opinions on trends and perspectives on the future of services that can inspire strategy development and decision making in research, politics and business.Highlights- Excellent service decides about competition and survival abilities of businesses - Linking-up of economy, science and politics - Connecting to international trends- Forming-up of market and opinion leadership in new solution strategies and thematic fields