The management of innovation and technology in the automotive industry: a focus upon Rover Group Ltd

Summary form only given as follows. Innovation is a basic necessity of successful organizations to gain competitive advantage through continuous improvement and the bringing of products to the market quicker, cheaper and better than their competition. The automotive industry has become a true global supply business and effective monopolies are being rapidly replaced to improve competitiveness. The reliance upon traditional methods and technologies, the dependence upon competitors to innovate and the rapid copying of the resulting methodologies and technology through the adoption of “fast follow” strategies may have short term financial benefits. However, the removal of innovation exhibits serious medium and long term detriment to the business and prevents world class performance. Within Rover Group, senior management has become increasingly aware that it must develop an innovation culture to survive