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Offering- and organization-level attributes that affect imitation of innovative products in the professional services industry are examined. Results indicate that the organization-level attributes of innovators increase imitation while offereing-level attributes lower imitation. The interaction between these attributes is also analyzed.

Byline: John R. Bryson, Peter W. Daniels This paper provides the first detailed empirical analysis of skill acquisition and development within Business and Professional Service (BPS) firms. The importance of expertise has been highlighted in much of the BPS literature; yet skills/expertise acquisition and development have not been addressed in any great detail. This is a serious omission. The relationship between the supply and demand for skilled professionals as well as the local availability of skills training for BPS firms should be central to both regional and national policy. The analysis reveals that a significant proportion of BPS firms do not have appraisal systems or training budgets and that technical skill may be undermined by poor communication and commercial skills. Staff proficiency problems result in enhanced costs as well as delays in product/service innovation. This paper is based upon a detailed survey of 1198 firms located in the West Midlands (UK) as well as 208 in-depth interviews.