Hazard Analysis of the German Car Manufacturing Industry and Related Business Eco Systems

Hazards and risks can endanger business systems and corresponding business eco systems (BES) in an existence-threatening way. Different reasons may cause technological changes, but stake holders should have a clear road map and strategy to guide through times of change and consider carefully the consequences. It is a matter of fact, that all industries are driven by changes in technologies, business models, processes, constellations, and systems. An appropriate response is a mandatory requirement for companies to survive. Innovativeness is the basis for competitiveness, profitability and sustainability of companies and corresponding industries. The car manufacturing industry is one of the most important industries in Germany and contributes about 12 percent to German GDP. This industry is a driving force for economic growth, employment and sustainability. This situation is endangered by various hazards and the German auto industry in particular shows strong signals, which indicate a radical technological and structural change. The hazard analysis points out an aggregate of threats and challenges for the business model and corresponding BES of the auto industry in Germany. The underlying thesis of this paper assumes that the existing business model is threatened. The question of research examines the influencing factors on the current business eco systems (BES) in this industry. The hazard analysis will disclose the various and complex impact factors. The transformation of the entire business system is inevitable due to the findings. Methodologically, theoretical, analytical and empirical approaches are used. Research on selected literature aligned at current national and international guidelines leads to a stable basis for the research. Statistical data, topical literature, surveys, and logical conclusions will lead to justified arguments. Keywords: Business system, Business eco system (BES), Car manufacturing industry, STEP-analysis, Hazard analysis JEL Codes: L91, M21, O14