New Work: Networking and Knowledge Transfer — the Digital Transformation in the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is facing the biggest challenge in its history. Automakers and suppliers must redefine their role in the digital world and leave familiar paths. This requires a lot of creativity — and a high degree of innovation that has to come from one’s own employees. No external consultant can do what is essential now: the smart networking of experts who are already in the company, whether white collar or blue collar. Employees need spaces for internal networking — for projects, effective collaboration and targeted knowledge sharing.
But what does that mean for companies? How can organizations respond to the ever-accelerating changes? And how do you make it possible for your own employees to network with each other in a clever way?
That the digital transformation is not simply nice to have, but an absolute must, should be widely known by now. Almost all companies have internalized this, put “digitalization” on their agendas, formed project groups or “innovation vehicles” and perhaps even hired a “Digital Transformation Officer.”
In the automotive industry, software as a product takes on a whole new meaning for any company. Although the automotive industry is more advanced than many other industries in terms of digitalization, the activities of non-industry companies such as Google and Apple show that the automotive industry is also undergoing major changes. In the meantime, it is clear that the digital transformation ultimately determines competitiveness — agility and innovation make all the difference today.
Agenda? Yes! Implementation? Yes and no!
What is often neglected when dealing with the transformation, however, is an honest look at organizational structures. Although business models and processes will be digitalized, it often falls to the wayside that new methods require new working models and structures. “Network instead of hierarchy” is the key mentality.
Blow up silos.
Businesses are only as fast, flexible and innovative as the people who work there. That is why it is essential to put your own employees in the spotlight right now. But what if they sit in silos due to rigid structures and framework conditions? How can networking and knowledge transfer take place?
Digitalization needs not only new working models and structures, but also the right mindset. Without networks and collaboration, there can be no innovation. Without knowledge transfer, the above-mentioned silos will remain.
But the transformation from hierarchy to network structure does not go by itself — that much is beyond question. Larger organizations especially face challenges. However, it is clear that the transformation is absolutely necessary to keep pace in the digital age. This change will not and must not happen overnight. However, it can be designed to suit your own pace and culture.
What can be done specifically?
Most companies already have everything they need to shape their digital transformation: their own employees. The required knowledge is already in the enterprise, it only needs to be activated:
- Find a good balance between top-down and bottom-up, between innovation and efficiency
- Provide sheltered spaces where employees can really help guide the process
- Create experimental and innovative spaces in which employees may try out and develop solutions
- Try new things together with the employees, set new rules — bottom-up!
- Promote communication, collaboration and networking
Take chances. Shape change.
Autonomous driving, electromobility and networked driving are just a few trends in the automotive industry. The industry now faces the great task (but also the opportunity) of exciting its customers, of leading the way in technology and innovation, and being able to sustainably profit on the market in the long term. Companies must now shape the digital transformation. Because those who do not break new ground today have lost.
And what is your opinion on changing the world of work?
This article is part of a series of guest contributions on the topic of New Work. You also have an interesting thesis you would like to share with us? Feel free to contact us!
Articles already published:
“New Work: People x Technology x Collaboration” by Judith Gabbert, Porsche Digital Lab
A guest contribution by Alicia Metz-Kleine, Tandemploy. Tandemploy develops innovative software to make companies more flexible and agile — from within. Picture by Moritz Reich.
