Knowledge sourcing in the automotive industry: a patent-based analysis of industry 4.0 and related technologies.

Abstract

Over the last decades, innovation rhythm and globalization have generated a dynamic market where competitive advantage is temporary and companies must continually adapt. In this highly competitive panorama, the effect of Industry 4.0 is twofold: at the one hand, it proposes modular, self-configuring systems that can be easily rearranged, and thus provide a good response to the shortening of product life cycle and time-to-market. On the other, digitalization has posed further challenges to organizations and stressed the importance of an open innovation approach. This thesis considers the impact of Industry 4.0 on the global automotive sector, with particular regard to the effects on OEMs’ knowledge base. Digitalisation is shaping customers’ preferences and market dynamics, thus redefining performance attributes and the basis of competition. Confronted with constantly evolving production modes, automakers have several strategical options to maintain their competitive position: internal knowledge development, and a wide array of external knowledge sourcing strategies, including alliances and acquisitions. 4IR technologies have created a new innovation momentum in the industry, and obliged OEMs to rethought traditional forms of cooperation and set up cross trades and sectors relationships. The work draws on patent information to assess how industry’s traditional players are reacting to the changes brought about by the advent of the Industry 4.0. To define knowledge sourcing processes employed, the analysis will consider co-owned patents and patent citations.