Opportunities for European SMEs in Global Electric Vehicle Supply Chains in Europe and Beyond

Abstract

Smart electric mobility is being regarded one of the major paths to sustainable mobility at least for urban areas. Governments, societies and industry in many countries already pursue this path. Some promising markets for electric vehicles (EVs) are evolving and many more emerging. This development provides opportunities for European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in global EV supply chains, especially since electric mobility requiring new technologies, services and business models, changes the traditional automotive supply chain and opens it for new players. The EU-funded Coordination Action GO4SEM is aimed at spreading awareness of global market trends and opportunities and on investigating matching innovation capabilities of European SMEs. This analysis results in strategic advice towards SMEs, but also policy recommendations towards public authorities for strengthening SMEs in this endeavor are derived.