Developing innovation capabilities in the emerging industry ecosystem of autonomous driving

Purpose and goal

The purpose of this research project was to support, intervene and learn from the development of innovation capabilities in the context of an emerging innovation ecosystem. The project has developed knowledge on how firms can improve collaborations in early phases of an ecosystem. An important aspect of this dealt with developing an understanding of how resources can be shared between firms. We also highlighted how a firm can orchestrate an ecosystem as a keystone firm and thereby attract more actors to nurture its emergence.

Expected results and effects

As a result of the study managers have expressed a deeper understanding of the importance of an ‘Innovation Ecosystem’ (IE). We have also had in-depth discussions on the research findings with employees. Many expressed that they have long struggled with related challenges and that our presentations show the challenges they face and how to handle them. The structured and scientific manner of presenting our results has been well received and appreciated. As part of deeper engagement, we also co-wrote scientific articles with a senior manager at Volvo and Zenuity (ongoing).

Planned approach and implementation

The study was designed as a longitudinal case study to allow the investigation of this contemporary phenomenon in depth. Due to the emergent and unique nature of the phenomenon, the research is iterative, and the empirical data and theory have been concurrently revisited to better understand the context. Data was collected ethnographically through observations, interviews and secondary sources. We soon realised that a longitudinal perspective is critical to understand development over time, motivating us to apply for continued funding (Phase II).