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This paper aims to investigate how firms such as Xerox, which have transitioned to a digital servitization business model, bridge relational asymmetry. It continues the theme of sustainability from the traditional three pillars—environmental, economic and social sustainability—to relational in terms of the quality of the relationship between the service provider and the customers.

Using an exploratory method, qualitative data from the case of Xerox, a pioneering company that embraces servitization business models, has been gathered. The combination of exploratory archival and literature searches allows for a more in-depth understanding of servitization and how it bridges (or does not bridge) the relational asymmetry.

The results reveal that a relational dimension is inherent in the servitization business model, whereas in order to achieve sustainability, it must leverage transparency, which may be either an enabler or an impairing factor. A borderline for a transparent relationship that distinguishes these two parameters is established.

The study's single-case firm was limited to Xerox as an industry forerunner and could only represent mature and multinational enterprises.

With the purpose of providing high-quality service, this exploratory paper gives managers rational insight into whether and when it is sustainable to fill the relational asymmetry between them as service providers and their customers.

From the relational asymmetry perspective, the authors shed light on the aspect of transparency, which is a pivotal cause of any asymmetric relationship. Through the case of Xerox, the study further sheds light on the dual effect of transparency, which could either be an “enabling” or an “impairing” factor. Putting it together, the use of interaction as a basis for co-creation is at the crux of the emerging reality.

This paper examines servitization from a new perspective, proposing that the relational asymmetry bridged by servitization will determine the future of organizations that differentiate themselves through quality relationships.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underscores eradicating global poverty (Goal#1) and empowering women and girls (Goal#5) to foster sustainable, inclusive communities (Goal#11). The World Bank recognises female entrepreneurship as a catalyst for global economic growth, poverty reduction and gender equity. This chapter delves into the challenges hindering female entrepreneurship, obstructing poverty alleviation and community sustainability efforts worldwide. Public–private collaborations are crucial to support women in launching start-ups, adopting new technologies, enhancing digital skills and accessing financing in the era of Industry 4.0.

Our focus is on women entrepreneurship in BRICS nations due to their diverse growth trajectories and global economic significance. Employing a qualitative approach, we analyse public and private initiatives promoting female entrepreneurship in BRICS countries. Our findings highlight both commonalities and distinctions in their strategies and policies, implicitly contributing to poverty reduction and social and economic growth. This chapter not only identifies barriers faced by women entrepreneurs but also underscores factors fuelling their ventures. It offers a practical toolkit for scholars, policymakers and practitioners (entrepreneurs and consultants) to devise tailored strategies and actions for local growth and intervention. The study comprises four parts: the introduction, setting the chapter's goal and previewing outcomes; the second part, exploring female entrepreneurship as a key to poverty alleviation and community sustainability; the core, the third part, unveiling in-depth BRICS country analysis; and the conclusion, summarising implications and highlighting avenues for further research.