The automotive industry through transformation An insight on new business models, impact on the value chain and entrepreneurial activity framework

Abstract

Historically being one of the most important industries of the global economy, in recent years the automotive industry is in a phase of profound transformation due to the rise of industry 4.0, the increasing presence of digital technologies and external pressures. This thesis aims to discuss the main effects that this has caused on the organizational framework, on end products, the new business models taking hold and the challenges presented for automakers. Starting with a general framework of the industry, its impact on the economy, and an analysis of the competitive environment, the discussion moves to the role of the digital transformation and industry 4.0 in the new business models adopted by automakers. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the automotive value chain and how it has changed into a global value chain due to the context in which companies operate, and then by discussing the importance of the management of supply chains and the main issues involved. Concluding, in the last chapter the entrepreneurial framework in the industry will be analyzed by investigating the impact of the discussed factors, the reasons for the increased activity of new entrants and the forms of cooperation between established companies and startups that are taking place.