Developing innovation capabilities in the emerging ecosystem of autonomous driving Phase II
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 992 000 |
| Project duration | November 2019 - April 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovation management - research for increased innovation capability |
| Call | Innovation management - research for increased innovation capability, 2019 |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the research project was to develop knowledge on innovation in an emerging innovation ecosystem for digital technologies. The study focused on the development of autonomous drive technology at Volvo Cars, introducing the concept of layered modularity and how it facilitates generativity and value creation. Further, it focused on Zenseact and their development of innovation capabilities and ecosystem strategies, as well as how to navigate tensions along the agile journey.
Expected results and effects
The project has contributed with knowledge on ‘layered modularity’ as a design mechanism that facilitates development of products involving physical products and digital systems. Second, it distinguishes three activities, cooperation, coordination, and competition, to orchestrate an emerging ecosystem. The partner companies have also developed their understanding of ecosystems through project activities, and reflection in action enabled by systematic interaction. They and other actors have also benefited from our scientific contributions.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was conducted in three related sub-projects. The research design was adapted to the context of covid as well as on the basis of what was learnt during the project. In total we have conducted about 60 interviews at Volvo and Zenseact, conducted about 50 h of observations and organized a number of seminars and presentations at the partner firms. The study has also resulted in both academic contributions and a finalized PhD thesis. The implementation has worked well under the circumstances and our partner companies are satisfied with the result.