Challenges to radical innovation winning technology for the car of the future? Part two

Abstract

This second article on the car for the future investigates the various possible scenarios for a successful innovative solution. An analytical model for innovation is proposed. This new analysis grid makes it possible to evaluate the potential for the emergence of new products, new services, new processes or new organizations, assuming that four conditions must be satisfied simultaneously (same time, same place): "Scientifically and technically possible"; "Industrially feasible"; "Commercially salable"; and "Politically, socially and culturally acceptable". The six key success factors are the followings: Autonomy or driving range; Technological simplicity; Total cost, i.e. purchasing cost and the cost of use; Availability and security of supply, in time and space, of primary energy; Security and reliability; Time scale of deployment of innovations. The specific conditions of the automotive industry are analyzed and discussed in details as well as general economic and political issues impacting positively or negatively the deployment of new innovative automobiles.