Christophe Midler

Affordable is not typically the first adjective used to describe an electric automobile. This book traces the history of an affordable electric car, from its genesis to its marketing. This history is more than a singular adventure. It is the analysis of a project that allows us to understand the key issues of strategy and management of contemporary innovation. The book features in lessons in:Strategy revealing the complexity of international product development and the conditions for its implementation in today’s fragmented worldProject management showing what is required to succeed in the a priori impossible challenge of a design within an alliance between five partners from four different countriesInnovation demonstrating that the electrification of mobility can be combined with affordable pricesIndustrial policy using the emblematic domain of electric vehicles to illustrate the major role of public authorities in technology, the future direction of this role, and the importance in the competition between Western and Chinese industriesIntrapreneurship showing that a start-up is not the only context in which it is possible to attempt and experience breakthroughs.

Affordable is not typically the first adjective used to describe an electric automobile. This book traces the history of an affordable electric car, from its genesis to its marketing. This history is more than a singular adventure. It is the analysis of a project that allows us to understand the key issues of strategy and management of contemporary innovation. The book features in lessons in:Strategy revealing the complexity of international product development and the conditions for its implementation in today’s fragmented worldProject management showing what is required to succeed in the a priori impossible challenge of a design within an alliance between five partners from four different countriesInnovation demonstrating that the electrification of mobility can be combined with affordable pricesIndustrial policy using the emblematic domain of electric vehicles to illustrate the major role of public authorities in technology, the future direction of this role, and the importance in the competition between Western and Chinese industriesIntrapreneurship showing that a start-up is not the only context in which it is possible to attempt and experience breakthroughs.

The authors have put together a fascinating narrative of the creation process of one of the most successful example of frugal engineering in recent years. They bring out insightful details of what managerial, organizational and technological pathways were taken to come up with a disruptive innovation that has the potential to change the entry-level automobile market in India and other emerging markets. The book significantly deepens and extends the knowledge of disruptive and reverse innovation, as well as of strategic alliance management. The book keeps the reader captive and is a must read for all who have an interest in innovation.

The authors have put together a fascinating narrative of the creation process of one of the most successful example of frugal engineering in recent years. They bring out insightful details of what managerial, organizational and technological pathways were taken to come up with a disruptive innovation that has the potential to change the entry-level automobile market in India and other emerging markets. The book significantly deepens and extends the knowledge of disruptive and reverse innovation, as well as of strategic alliance management. The book keeps the reader captive and is a must read for all who have an interest in innovation.

In this book, leading authorities on project organizing explore the growing deployment of projects and other types of temporary organizations, with a focus on the challenges created by projectification. The way projects are coordinated and handled influences the success of innovation and change within organizations and is critical for strategic development in our societies, yet it is often at odds with the institutions of traditional industrial society. Drawing on both theoretical perspectives and real-world cases, this book sheds light on the transformation toward a project society and explores the effects, opportunities, and conflicts it has created. As change continues, the authors make a case for renewing institutions and mind-sets and provide a foundation from which to discuss societal changes for the future. This is an invaluable book for researchers and students in project management and organizational theory programs, as well as professionals involved in the management of projects.