The New Road Ahead: Future Competencies for the Automotive Industry

Abstract This article in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) examines the profound transformation of the European automotive industry, driven by four major forces: decarbonization, digitalization, deglobalization, and demographic change. It focuses on identifying the competencies that will be most critical for the future of the automotive industry and analyzing where the largest gaps exist between current capabilities and future demands. Forty key competencies were identified and placed within a comprehensive competency model for the future of the automotive industry, with particular emphasis on domain-specific professional competencies. The identified gaps between current and future demands point to key areas where action is needed to restore the European automotive industry’s competitiveness. Furthermore, this study integrates two approaches to competency management by incorporating the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs) framework into the commonly applied four-factor structure of professional and extra-professional competencies, specifically method, social, and self-competence. This integration offers an integrated approach to breaking down competencies into specific, actionable components for improved implementation and training.