Innovation and Development: The Modern Weapon in the Automotive Race In a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace, the automotive industry is no longer just about traditional production lines or competition over engine power. It has become a technological and strategic battlefield driven by innovation and development programs. Today, innovation is no longer a luxury – it is the real weapon in a global race, where major companies compete for leadership in fields such as: E-Mobility Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Driving Clean Energy and Charging Infrastructure Sustainable Design and Emission Reduction The future does not wait for the latecomers. Companies that embrace innovation as a work philosophy remain at the front of the race, while those who hesitate or delay are left behind. What makes our era unique is that ideas are no longer confined to laboratories or engineers’ notebooks; they are being translated into real products that reshape daily life and provide customers with safer, faster, and more sustainable mobility experiences. Thus, investment in research and development is not just an option, but a strategic necessity that ensures sustainable growth and preserves competitiveness against challenges—whether from traditional companies or emerging industrial powers. Today, the automotive industry stands at a decisive crossroads: Either lead the transformation toward the future, Or remain a prisoner of the past. Innovation is the key, and development is the way forward.

We don’t have an invention crisis we have an innovation crisis. Invention, the initial creation of a product, marking its first occurrence. Innovation involves doing, adoption, doing things different from what is already being done, rather than just doing it better. Too often we create then others adopt.

Innovation VS Invention Innovation is the practical implementation and commercialization of new ideas or methods, while invention refers to the original creation of something entirely new that has not existed before.

Why Innovation Is Crucial To Your Organization's Long-Term Success Forbes Magazine We hear the term “innovation” everywhere and are made to believe in its importance. For many of us, innovation means providing ideas out of the blue, leading to significant discoveries and achievements. However, there's more to it than that. What Is Innovation? First, we need to decide on a definition. Innovation isn’t solely represented by new devices, ideas or methods, but also by the process of uncovering new ways to do things. It can also pertain to modifying business models and adapting to changes to achieve better products and services. Let’s take a look at the formal definition of both “creation” and “innovation,” since most people will mistakenly use them interchangeably. Link full article: https://lnkd.in/e7riaMeN

When we want to understand what is innovation we need to explore what it isnt first 1- It is not creating abstract ideas that is of little use to the common man. That is just a personal hobby 2-It is not an opportunity to prove that we are clever. 3-It is not to seperate us from the rest So then what is innovation? It is about satisfying the quest to better what we have, create a new product to an existing problem or design a new way of doing things that adds value and makes life easier for people.

Innovation and Competition: The Driving Force of the Future In today’s fast-changing world, innovation is no longer a choice — it is a necessity. Every company that wants to survive and grow must constantly challenge itself, rethink its strategies, and push the boundaries of what is possible. Innovation begins with vision. It means looking beyond the present and imagining solutions that others do not yet see. In the automotive industry, for example, innovation is the key to cleaner energy, smarter mobility, and safer roads. But true innovation does not come from technology alone; it comes from people — from minds that dare to think differently. Competition plays an equally important role. Without competition, innovation loses its meaning. Competing forces push companies to improve quality, reduce costs, and deliver greater value. When competition is healthy, it becomes a source of creativity, not destruction. It motivates engineers, designers, and leaders to give their best every single day. However, the future belongs to those who can combine innovation with cooperation. Global challenges — such as sustainability, digital transformation, and fair economic growth — require competitors to also be partners in progress. Europe’s strength, for example, lies in its ability to unite innovation with high standards and human values. Innovation and competition are not enemies — they are two sides of the same engine that drives humanity forward. Those who master both will not only win in the market but will also help build a better world. --- Written by Mohamed Ali Abd Elhamid Vision for the Future of the Automotive Industry

Very interesting surprise to see innovation processes recognized at Nobel. The product cycles have become shorter and shorter. Many companies have mistaken looking to that as a demand for efficiency improvement. Sure, it is a daily challenge to keep up competition. However, technology disruption is more often today, and as a given phenomenon must be in the management action from companies. It is about action not reaction. Even not seeting direct actions due to limited resources, it will enhance your resilience to market changes. Structured processes and strong collaboration are key to set a robust innovation portfolio balancing research, development, engineering and innovation. To the ones saying “innovation is not for one department it is in all departments”, I would remember that Quality is the same, but gets better results with a central governance. What are the main challenges in innovation for your activities?

Do you know what WD-40 stands for? Can you tell the difference between technological breakthrough and Innovation? What is the main characteristic of Innovation? Why do we need Innovation? We talk a lot about Innovation, but very few people can answer the above questions with confidence and deep understanding of the answer. I chose the example of WD-40 to demonstrate what Innovation really means and how it can influence our everyday life. WD-40 is the abbreviation of "Water Displacement - Formula 40". It was invented in 1953 by Rocket Chemical Company and its initial use was to prevent corrosion and displace water for aerospace industry. If WD-40 would stay at its initial target use, it would be just a technological break-through for a targeted use. It wouldn´t be an Innovation. The company employees started using WD-40 at home for squeezing doors, lubricate moving parts and other uses (very known to us currently). Rocket Chemical Company recognised the potential of the product and launched the WD-40 product known to us today. So how exactly WD-40 became an "Innovation"? By the time that people used WD-40 to make their life easier and solve everyday problems, the product became an Innovation. The main characteristic of Innovation is the wide acceptance and use of a product or a service in everyday life. Without this characteristic, we cannot talk about Innovation. It is important to say that WD-40 was never patented, but until now the formula 40 is a secret. Consequently we can say: 1. A technological breakthrough cannot be by itself an Innovation. 2. Although most of new products come through research, Innovation usually comes through the response of consumers to the new products. That means that we do not know if a new product will be an "Innovation" until it reaches the consumers. 3. The only way to make our everyday life better is Innovation. 4. What is patented is not necessary an Innovation and an Innovation is not necessarily patented. I do not know if anything of the above makes sense to you, but if you want to check your understanding, answer the following question: Was the invention of Laser an Innovation? We can talk about it in the comments. Have a nice weekend!

The importance of the problem statement and innovation. Need to be very careful how we solve a problem. We could make or break a company with right or wrong solution. Not every innovation is a solution. It may end up leading to more problems. Time is worthwhile spent defining and agreeing on the problem statement as many of times there could be differing opinions among stakeholders. Thereafter a careful study of the root causes and potential solutions with the team always not forgetting the problem statement and the overall goal that needs to be achieved. Sometimes we lose sight of this in all the haste. Based on business analysis and tests of concepts, then narrow down the most feasible solution. That solution could an invention, innovation or not. Too often we rush into solving without thinking of the problem thoroughly enough which would sometimes lead to a solution that may not be ideal or reap value for both us and the customer. In the end it needs to be beneficial in all sense of the word.

Innovation isn’t always big or flashy but it’s essential.    Have you noticed that when people think of innovation, they picture big unveilings, radical change, shiny new tech?    And sure, those things are important (we certainly love them) but some of the most powerful innovations are invisible:    - A lid that doesn’t leak.  - A bottle that lasts twice as long.  - A design tweak that reduces material waste.    These seemingly small improvements all add up. They build trust. And they keep products and partnerships relevant.    Because sometimes the quietest innovations make the loudest impact.