Moving towards a new paradigm of collaboration. The influence of current automotive trends on mobility business models and competitive advantage of traditional German OEMs

Table of contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Motivation of this study

1.2 Research problem and objectives

1.3 Outline of the thesis structure

2 Methodology

2.1 Scientific approach

2.2 Research methods

2.3 Methods of data collection and verification

3 Theoretical Background

3.1 Innovation and industrial change

3.1.1 Innovation types and industry evolution models

3.1.2 Innovation and industry life cycle models

3.2 Business models and strategy

3.2.1 Business model definitions and key components

3.2.2 Blending the business model concept with strategy

3.3 Firm performance and collaboration

4 Outline of the German Automotive Industry

4.1 Market overview and recent developments

4.2 Specific characteristics of the German automotive industry

4.2.1 Value chain design

4.2.2 R&D infrastructure

4.2.3 Education, Tax and Location Factors

4.3 Market fragmentation of major German OEMs

4.4 Current automotive mega trends

5 Industry evolution and strategic change

5.1 Sources of market innovations

5.2 Nature and types of market innovations

5.3 Initiation and motives for strategic change

5.4 Impact of strategic change on industry profit pools

5.5 Summary and conclusion

6 Sources of competitive advantage

6.1 Analysis of inter-organizational relationships

6.2 Evaluation of motives and strategic fit in collaborations

6.3 Assessment of new resources in terms of competitiveness

6.4 Summary and conclusion

7 Strategic realignment of German OEMs

7.1 General changes in business strategy

7.2 Red Oceans and Blue Oceans in the German automotive industry

7.3 Developing Blue Ocean strategies for German OEMs

7.4 Summary and Conclusion

8 Revised business model proposition for German OEMs

8.1 Modifications of business model elements

8.2 Revision and amendment of existing business models

8.3 Challenges and key success factors of new strategies

8.4 Summary and conclusion

9 Conclusion and perspectives

9.1 Findings and implications

9.2 Recommendations for future research

Objectives and Research Themes

This thesis examines the impact of evolving macro-environmental trends on the traditional business models of German automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The study investigates how these manufacturers can maintain their competitive advantage amidst industry transformations by integrating business model concepts with traditional competitive theories and fostering cross-industry collaborations.

• Analysis of automotive industry evolution and strategic change through market innovations.
• Evaluation of motives and strategic fit for inter-firm collaborations across industry boundaries.
• Strategic realignment of German OEMs using Blue Ocean Strategy and Business Model Canvas frameworks.
• Development of a revised business model proposition for German OEMs to ensure sustained profitable growth.
• Empirical investigation of consumer demand and managerial assessment of future industry scenarios.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the motivation for the study, defines the research problem and objectives, and introduces the overall thesis structure.

2 Methodology: This chapter describes the scientific approach and research methods, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and verification techniques.

3 Theoretical Background: This chapter provides the theoretical framework, covering industrial change, business model theory, strategy, and firm performance through inter-firm collaboration.

4 Outline of the German Automotive Industry: This chapter analyzes the current state of the German automotive industry, covering value chain, R&D infrastructure, market fragmentation, and current mega trends.

5 Industry evolution and strategic change: This chapter examines industry evolution using market innovations and discusses sources of innovation, open innovation, and the impact on industry profit pools.

6 Sources of competitive advantage: This chapter explores inter-organizational relationships and analyzes how specific resources and effective governance contribute to competitive advantage.

7 Strategic realignment of German OEMs: This chapter defines changes in business strategy and develops new strategic scenarios for German OEMs using Blue Ocean strategies.

8 Revised business model proposition for German OEMs: This chapter elaborates on modifications to business model elements and addresses key success factors for new strategic approaches.

9 Conclusion and perspectives: This chapter summarizes findings, addresses study limitations, and provides recommendations for future research.

Keywords

German Automotive Industry, OEMs, Business Models, Strategic Realignment, Open Innovation, Inter-firm Collaboration, Blue Ocean Strategy, Market Innovation, Competitive Advantage, Industry Evolution, Resource-Based View, Connectivity, Car-sharing, R&D Management, Strategic Change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

This thesis focuses on the evolutionary impact of current macro-environmental automotive trends on the traditional business models of German car manufacturers.

What are the primary themes discussed?

The central themes include industry evolution, open innovation, inter-firm collaboration, strategic realignment through Blue Ocean strategies, and the development of sustainable competitive advantage.

What is the main objective of this study?

The main objective is to determine how German OEMs can integrate business model concepts with traditional competitive theories to better navigate changing market dynamics.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The study adopts a system approach, utilizing an abductive research process that combines theoretical literature reviews with empirical investigation, including executive and consumer surveys.

What does the main body cover?

The main body covers the theoretical foundations, a detailed outline of the German automotive industry, the evolution of market innovations, an analysis of competitive advantages through collaboration, and strategic realignment proposals.

Which keywords characterize this research?

The research is characterized by terms such as German Automotive Industry, OEMs, Business Models, Strategic Realignment, Open Innovation, and Competitive Advantage.

How is the "open innovation" concept applied to German OEMs?

The authors apply open innovation to argue that German manufacturers must shift from strictly internal R&D to collaborating with external partners—such as tech companies and suppliers—to access new knowledge and capabilities.

Why is the "Blue Ocean Strategy" relevant for German OEMs?

It provides a framework for German OEMs to move away from "red oceans"—saturated markets with cut-throat competition—toward "blue oceans" where they can create uncontested market space through innovation and new value propositions.

What conclusion does the study reach regarding car-sharing?

The study concludes that car-sharing represents an architectural innovation that should be managed separately as a distinct entity, whereas connectivity models can be better integrated into the dominant business model.