What we still need to learn

Abstract

Purpose: To outline perspectives for further work on the added value of FM and identify relevant ideas and topics for further research and development.
Methodology: The chapter is based on a screening of all the former chapters in the book, input from various workshops with the authors, information from recent literature and exchange of ideas among the authors of this chapter.
Findings: Added value is expected to be central in the future development of FM, which is confirmed by two recent foresight studies and the recent work on developing a EuroFM research agenda. There is a need for increased focus on the governance structures for FM to secure the necessary alignment between FM and core business - not only at strategic level, but also at tactical and operational levels. Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Branding are important areas of FM with great potential to add value and to elevate FM to become a strategic partner with corporate top management. Adding value is closely related to innovation and performance improvements. Methods to measure both hard and soft aspects of performance will continue to be an important focus area. Management of stakeholders’ perception of value and relationships are essential aspects of adding value in FM and need much further attention.
Close collaboration with users is needed and requires new methods to analyse and visualise processes and added value. Research methodology will continue to include a broad range of both qualitative and quantitative methods in many combinations, but soft methods based on close interaction between researchers and practice like action research, participants observations and narratives are expected to achieve increased attention.
Practical implications: The findings include ideas for further research and development on the added value of FM and expectations of the topics that will be important for the FM profession in the future.
Research limitations: The chapter does not present new original research results, but is based on the research presented in the earlier chapters in this book and other recent research activities.
Originality/value: The chapter provides important input to the future research agenda on the added value of FM and gives directions for the future development in FM research and practice.