Organizational Agility in Development Networks

Abstract

The shortening of innovation and product life cycles induces a development environment that is characterized by high dynamics and uncertainty. Furthermore, the increasing integration of functions from the domains of mechanics, electronics as well as software into complex systems leads to the need for extensive competencies and resources. Traditional development and organization patterns are increasingly unsuitable for successfully meeting these challenges. A solution approach that addresses the described challenges is the interorganizational integration of economically autonomous companies into industrial development networks. Development networks offer fast and cost-effective access to required competencies and technologies. This paper presents a methodology for the systematic configuration of the organizational structure of a development network according to the respective situation of relevant requirements in order to increase organizational agility. Therefore, design recommendations for the organizational structure of the development network are derived based on a typology of requirements.