- Study
The Power of Partnerships
Strategic Cooperation as the Key to Transforming the Automotive Industry
Why Strategic Partnerships Are Becoming the Decisive Lever for Innovation, Scaling, and Resilience
The automotive industry is under massive pressure to transform. Software-defined vehicles (SDV), AI-supported value creation, and new competitors from China and the US are changing not only technologies, but entire business models. In this environment, technological strength alone is no longer enough. Competitiveness arises where companies are willing to shape the future together.
Our new study, The Power of Partnerships, shows that strategic partnerships are becoming a decisive lever for innovation, scaling, and resilience. In the U.S., 76% of OEMs expect partnerships to become a key driver of innovation in the future. In Europe, the figure is only 53% – with the focus still more on risk mitigation than on growth. At the same time, 87% of respondents worldwide expect partnerships to gain significantly in importance by 2028. The real disruption lies not only in technology, but in the art of cooperation.
Our New Study Now Provides Figures on This
The study surveyed 650 decision-makers from OEMs, suppliers, and technology companies in Europe, the US, and China. Supplemented by current market analyses and case studies, it provides clear impetus for action:
Only those who establish partnerships early on, boldly and strategically, will remain competitive in an interconnected market environment.
- 76 %
of US OEMs use partnerships as a driver for innovation.
- 53 %
of European OEMs primarily use partnerships to minimize risk.
- 87 %
of respondents worldwide expect partnerships to gain relevance by 2028.
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The study highlights the key levers for successful collaborations – from technological infrastructure and governance to cultural fit. It provides specific recommendations on how companies can create added value, manage risks, and build long-term, sustainable alliances.
Key Facts From the Study
- Innovation first: 76% of US companies enter partnerships for technology development – Europe stands at 56%, China at 55%.
- Technology focus: Europe focuses on cybersecurity (52%), the US on software-defined-vehicles (59%), and China on e-mobility and battery technology (54%).
- European focus: Market access (41%) and cost reduction (40%).