Knowledge Processes and Networks Automotive Sector Ulrich Jürgens/Antje Blöcker/Stewart MacNeill Birmingham, 10 April 2008

European Core Industry Source: Alphametrics 2008

Employment in NACE 34 in % total employment 2006 (NUTS 2 level) Regional location of jobs The process of regional specialisation develops around innovation clusters Source: Alphametrics 2008

Restructuring Dynamics – Crossing Organizational and National Borders Source: Blöcker/Jürgens 2008

Worlds of Production Standardised Specialised Generic Dedicated Sports cars Motorsport Niche Vehicles Luxury Cars Mass Production

High investment in R&D expenses OEM dominated knowledge processes in in-house research centre (centralisation) and Simultaneous Engineering Centre, Segmentation in basic research and series development Source: Alphametrics 2008

Character of Knowledge Processes multi-technology industry: with no specific analytical base/scientific discipline as a point of departure. Specific to the auto industry are the requirements and capabilities of technological integration. multi-actor industry, composed of a multitude of specialists and with a strong, ongoing trend towards further specialization (new business models multitude of interfaces –Interfaces between academic disciplines. Differences in the methods and mindsets of people with a background in mechanics and electrics/electronics have recently been playing an increasingly important role (not least as a source of problems). –Interfaces between functional organizations within firms. The classical interface is that between product development and production. –Interfaces between firms and other external actors involved in processes of various sorts. –Interfaces between hierarchical levels and between planners and executors of work (as exemplified by the classical Taylorist divide). New important role of non-automotive knowledge (e.g. from the health sector or from aerospace) Many contradictory goals and interests

OEM R&D-Department System- Supplier (e.g. Door-Modul, Frontend, bumper, plastic tanks Engineering Service Firms Small specialzed Engineering Firms (construction, Rapid Prototyping, Simulation) Software- Service Firms (CAD-Systeme, Data- managementsystems) Consultants (e.g. Projectmanagment, Simultaneous Engineering, TQM, Kaizen) Parts- and Components-Suppplier (e.g. glas, gaskets, tubes Primary Service Relation Secundary Service Relation Adapetd from Rentmeister 2003

OEM control over system architecture: Examination is the core process of knowledge creation and transfer as an integral part of all phases 1st-tier-Supplier control over new knowledge areas (electronics, new materials...) Universities & research institutes play an increasing role in basic research, e.g. engine technology: New local/regional public-private Innovation Networks for analytical knowledge Engineering Service Firms are agents of 'Open Innovation and for non-automotive competences Knowledge Networks?

Challenges: Knowledge dynamics Diversity and distribution Closed proprietary knowledge Front-loading Protection of knowledge Digitization Labour mobility and knowledge migration

Changing structure of occupations Source: Alphametrics 2008

Very low share of women: 94 % of engineers and 93 % of skilled workers are men Change in % of women employed between 2000 and 2007 Professionals Skilled and semi-skilled worker Source: Alphametrics 2008

Knowledge Categories AnalyticalSyntheticSymbolic Exploration (Search and research) Basic physics, chemistry -Thermodynamics -Acoustics -metallurgy Product -Sensors, electronics, systems, hybrids Process -Systems design, integration teams Supply matrix Downstream relations Market research -Societal and political trends -Brand image and perception (values) -Demography, Health Examination (Trialling, testing, standard setting, benchmarking) Test/trial -Catalysts -Dynamics -Noise and vibration -Fuels/efficiency product and process trialling Regulation -Safety -Environment -(homologation process) Production methods Logistics – upstream and downstream Styling -Concepts – aesthetic and ‘hard’ innovations interaction Exploitation (Commercialisation) Specialist firms -e.g., engine, chassis, body + -Universities and research institutes Commercialisation - product mix - Supply matrix and logistics management -Patenting – specialist firms and research institutes -Branding, brand values -Communication, PR, (selling) -Presentation -Downstream -Dealerships -Specialist Firms

Policy Fields