Partnerships as the Operating Model for Automotive Innovation

Collaborating in a changing automotive landscape

The global automotive industry is undergoing change at exceptional speed and scale.

Consumer expectations, corporate sustainability targets and rising regulations are accelerating the transition to low-emission electrified drivetrains, while connected and digital features are enabling futuristic vehicle designs. 

This combination opens up opportunities for bold new design and engineering concepts. By combining expertise from across the value chain, businesses can address these opportunities faster and with greater technical depth. A recent study by the Porsche company MHP showed that 87% of global OEMs expect partnerships to play a bigger role by 2028, and 76% of US OEMs use partnerships to drive innovation.

At tesa, automotive specialists are focusing on co-innovation by working with partners and customers with complementary technologies and application expertise. In this model, suppliers are not only delivering components; they help shape solutions from the earliest development stages. The collaboration models involved vary by application. They include co-development and licensing activities, as well as coordinated go-to-market approaches. The company contributes a deep knowledge of materials, processes, and automation to these projects, enabling customers to accelerate their own development cycles and bring solutions to market faster. Specifically, its adhesive technologies act as enabling layers by forming reliable bonds, achieving precise assembly, and supporting the rework, repair, and recycling of components across the vehicle life cycle.