The German Automobile Supply Industry : Evaluating the Future Preparedness of a German Automotive Supplier company using the Maturity Model of Corporate Foresight

Abstract: Growing markets and fast discontinuous changes challenge companies to stay in line with their goals and maintain their market share. The environmental dynamism, complexity and hostility are aspects that require strategical preparation to maintain success on the market. Companies need not only to manage the continuous adaptation to incremental change but also the ability to detect discontinuities early and manage them through their corporate strategy and innovation management. The process of detecting, interpreting and reacting to changes can be referred to as corporate foresight. This study analysis a German automotive supplier regarding their current foresight capabilities and will derive with an assessment within their competitive surrounding. This study assesses the corporate foresight capabilities of a company in a qualitative approach by conducting interviews with employees and further secondary quantitative insights from survey results. In collaboration with the consulting firm Rohrbeck & Heger and their gathered data sets, further insights about the competitive situation of the company could be derived. The final assessment presents insights whereas the automotive supplier is lacking in specific aspects in contrast to the diverse competition but also delivers actions steps to lower the weak spots the firm currently demonstrates.